Lok Sabha Question No. 1098 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Policy for the Large-scale implementation of Insulated Conductors
Ministry: POWER
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF POWER

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1098 ANSWERED ON 05.02.2026

## POLICY FOR THE LARGE-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION OF INSULATED CONDUCTORS

1098.  SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

Will the Minister of POWER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  policy  for  the  large-scale implementation  of  insulated  or  covered  conductors  across  the  country  to  prevent electrocution  incidents  and  line  faults,  if  so,  the  details  thereof,  including  the timeframe for its implementation;
- (b) whether the Government has allocated any funds under centrally sponsored schemes for the installation or upgradation to insulated electric lines and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  details  of  States  that  have  fully  or  partially  implemented  underground cabling systems in the country; and
- (d) whether  the  Ministry  proposes  to  implement  underground  cabling  in  the country, at least in urbanised areas and if so, the details thereof?

## A N S W E R

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a) to (d) : Electricity being a concurrent subject, supply and distribution of electricity to the consumers is within the purview of the respective State Government/ Distribution Utility.  Government  of  India  supplements  the  efforts  of  the  States  through  various schemes to help them achieve the objective of providing quality and reliable supply of power to all consumers.

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the Central Electricity Authority (Measures  relating  to  Safety  and  Electric  Supply)  Regulations,  2023  and  Central Electricity  Authority  (Technical  Standards  for  Construction  of  Electrical  Plants  and Electric Lines) Regulations, 2022, as amended from time to time, which mandate the use of insulated cables,  covered  conductors,  Aerial  Bunched  Cables  (ABC)  and underground  cables  in  certain  areas,  with  the  objective  of  preventing  electrocution incidents, reducing line faults, and enhancing the safety and reliability of power supply. As per the provision of these regulations:

-  Underground cables shall be used in coastal areas.
-  Aerial bunched cables (ABC) or insulated cables or covered conductors shall be used in the congested, theft and accident-prone areas.
-  In case of Electric lines of 33 kV and below passing through the protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, Community Reserves), Eco-sensitive zones around the protected areas and Wildlife Corridors, only underground cables shall be used.

In addition to above,  distribution utilities  may  use  insulated  or  covered conductors in other areas based on actual field conditions.

With  the  objective  of  improving  the  quality  and  reliability  of  power  supply  to consumers  through  a  financially  sustainable  and  operationally  efficient  distribution Sector, Government of India launched Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in July 2021. Under the scheme, financial assistance is being provided to the Distribution Utilities for upgradation of distribution infrastructure & system modernization. Distribution  infrastructure  works  such  as  Aerial  Bunched  Cables  (ABC)/covered conductors  &  underground  cables,  upgradation/  augmentation  of  sub-stations  and distribution transformers, upgrading of conductors, etc. have been sanctioned under the scheme based on proposals submitted the utilities. Till date, distribution infrastructure works amounting to Rs 1.53 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the scheme.

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