Rourkela's Overhead Cable Crisis: Why the Smart City Initiative is Stalled

Rourkela faces a significant challenge with overhead cables, despite a resolution to create a cable-free city over two years ago. Various neighborhoods are still cluttered with dangling wires, posing safety risks to pedestrians and drivers alike. A recent incident highlighted the dangers, prompting officials to promise action against non-compliant cable operators. However, enforcement remains lax, leaving residents concerned about their safety. This article delves into the ongoing cable crisis and the implications for Rourkela's Smart City initiative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 2, 2025, 09:34 IST

Rourkela's Ongoing Cable Dilemma

Rourkela: More than two years have passed since a significant meeting aimed at transforming Rourkela into a cable-free city, yet little progress has been made in actual implementation.

In various neighborhoods, including Daily Market, Koel Nagar, Chhend, Panposh, Basanti Colony, and Uditnagar Civil Township, thick clusters of hanging cables remain a common sight.

These tangled cables not only detract from the Smart City’s visual appeal but also present serious safety hazards for both pedestrians and drivers. In preparation for the Hockey World Cup in January 2023, the Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) held a meeting to tackle the ongoing cable management challenges.

All cable operator representatives attended and reached a consensus to remove overhead cables. The initial strategy was to install underground cables from Panposh to the railway station.

Until the underground installation was finalized, it was decided that cables would be securely placed in cable boxes mounted on electric and utility poles. The then additional district magistrate instructed operators to cease any new installations on electric poles, warning of potential legal repercussions for non-compliance.

Despite these measures, overhead cables continue to clutter the cityscape, compromising both safety and aesthetics. In busy areas like Daily Market, operators have been seen carelessly laying cables, prioritizing profits over public safety. Authorities have reportedly taken little action against these violations.

No fines have been levied, nor has there been any enforcement against those breaching regulations, according to sources.

In many locations, cables dangle loosely from poles and occasionally fall, raising the risk of accidents. A recent incident near the fitness park in Uditnagar saw a 33-kV power line snap due to the weight of bundled cables, narrowly avoiding a serious accident.

The issue extends beyond authorized operators, as several private networking companies have also installed cables illegally on Smart City infrastructure, leading to significant revenue losses for the RMC.

Consequently, both drivers and pedestrians are increasingly concerned about their safety on the roads.

When reached for comment, Additional District Magistrate Ashutosh Kulkarni stated that actions would be taken against agencies violating government orders and laying cables indiscriminately. "Concrete measures will be implemented to ensure Rourkela is free from overhead cables," Kulkarni promised.