Pune: PMC Eyes Hyderabad Model, Digital Permission System for Overhead Cable Network

Pune, 21st April 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is exploring the Hyderabad model to regulate the city’s sprawling overhead cable network, including fixing height limits and levying rental charges for dedicated poles, as part of a broader plan to streamline cables and gradually shift them underground.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Special) Omprakash Divte on Tuesday. Officials reviewed the growing overhead cable network across Pune and deliberated on framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating installations and granting permissions in line with the Telecommunications Act and related policies.

According to the civic administration, PMC will conduct fresh surveys in parts of the city that remain unmapped, while earlier survey findings will also be considered. Officials stressed that cable management must ensure public safety, avoid accidents, and not hamper the city’s aesthetics.

Taking cues from Hyderabad, the civic body plans to prepare a proposal prescribing minimum height norms for overhead cables in Pune. It is also considering rental charges in cases where private operators seek to erect separate poles for cable lines.

It was also discussed in the meeting that all road crossings for cable lines should be routed through underground ducts as per road department guidelines. To streamline permissions, cable service providers may soon be required to submit applications online, with approvals processed through a digital system. Till the online portal becomes operational, permissions are to be cleared within stipulated timelines through a single-window mechanism.

The administration also proposed appointing nodal officers from PMC and other government agencies such as police, traffic police, MSEDCL and MNGL to monitor the approval and implementation process.

Officials noted that a large network of cables has already been laid across the city without formal authorisation. To regulate these installations, PMC plans consultations with public representatives and concerned associations before finalising the SOP.

Divte directed the concerned officials that overhead cables along the Palakhi route be removed on priority, following discussions with cable operators.

The civic officials were instructed to prepare a final draft of the SOP incorporating all key points and submit it to the Municipal Commissioner. Chief Engineer (Electrical) Manisha Shekatkar and Chief Engineer (Roads) Rajesh Bankar were among those present.