Gurgaon: In a move that could improve road safety and help speed up infrastructure projects, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has started assessing the cost of relocating electricity poles, power lines, transformers and other assets installed along public works department (PWD) roads.The exercise follows a request from PWD, which is planning road improvement and widening works at multiple locations. Officials have been directed to survey affected sites and prepare cost estimates for shifting power infrastructure that may obstruct road projects.For commuters, the move could eventually mean wider roads, fewer bottlenecks and reduced accident risks caused by poles located close to carriageways. Road widening projects often face delays until utility lines are relocated.Vikram Singh, managing director of DHBVN and UHBVN, asked all superintending engineers (operation) to provide a rough cost estimate for the potential relocation of electrical infrastructure installed along the roads and berms of PWD. The discom has classified the exercise as a priority so a consolidated proposal can be shared with PWD for further action.The chief engineer (P&D) of DHBVN stated that PWD has sought details regarding the relocation of utility infrastructure installed along the roadsides. “They have been asked to assess the electric poles, lines, transformers and other electrical assets located in the concerned areas and prepare the potential cost of their relocation,” said the official.“DHBVN has placed this work in the most essential category and issued instructions to ensure time-bound action,” said Sanjay Chug, spokesperson for DHBVN.While no timeline for the actual shifting has been announced, officials said the exercise has been categorised as a priority task. The assessment is expected to help identify bottlenecks affecting road projects and pave the way for smoother implementation of future road upgrades.
