Delhi Identifies Key Road Congestion Points
The Delhi government has revealed that 34 electricity poles and transformers are obstructing major roads, creating congestion and slowing down traffic. Out of these, nine have already been relocated, while the remaining 25 are at various stages of shifting, according to data shared in the Delhi Assembly.
The obstruction issue was raised during the winter session by Vikas Pandey, Deputy Secretary of the Power Department, who highlighted the collaboration between power distribution companies and the Public Works Department (PWD) to resolve the problem.
Which Roads Are Affected
Among the remaining 25 obstructions:
- 15 poles and transformers are on Chhattarpur’s SSN Marg
- 2 are on Aurobindo Marg
- 3 are on Najafgarh Main Road
Other roads where relocation has been completed include Pushta Road at Laxmi Nagar, Pushta Road at Wazirabad, J&K PKT Road at Dilshad Garden, and PPG Road at Mayur Vihar Phase-1.
All these roads fall under the PWD, which manages roads wider than 60 feet across Delhi.
Challenges in Relocating Poles and Transformers
While some obstructions have been successfully moved, officials admit that finding alternative space for relocation is a major hurdle, especially in east Delhi. In several areas, on-ground surveys have been conducted, but suitable land is still unavailable.
For example:
- On Aurobindo Marg, inspections are complete, but no space has been identified to move transformers.
- At SSN Marg, the on-ground exercise was completed, but no alternative location was found.
- In east Babarpur, one obstruction flagged by Delhi Traffic Police back in 2019-20 is still waiting to be shifted.
The PWD has yet to provide land in these congested areas, delaying the relocation process.
The Scale of Delhi’s Power Infrastructure
Delhi’s power companies manage a massive network of poles and transformers:
- BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL): 0.32 million poles and 7,596 transformers
- BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL): 0.14 million poles and 2,122 transformers
- Tata Power DDL: 0.25 million poles and 24,986 transformers
With such a vast network, relocating even a few obstructions requires careful planning and coordination between multiple agencies.
Government Efforts to Solve the Problem
The government has urged the PWD to conduct on-ground surveys along all affected roads and work closely with power companies to identify relocation options. Once alternative sites are approved, the transformers and poles can be shifted, easing traffic congestion.
Officials say this is a long-term solution. While immediate fixes like temporary diversions may help, moving critical infrastructure requires careful planning to avoid disrupting electricity supply.
What This Means for Commuters
For Delhi residents, these obstructions have caused:
- Daily traffic jams during peak hours
- Narrow lanes leading to safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists
- Delays for emergency services, public buses, and commercial vehicles
Once the relocation is complete, these roads are expected to become smoother, safer, and more accessible.
Looking Ahead
Delhi’s growing urban population and expanding road network mean that coordinated planning between the PWD and power distribution companies is essential. Authorities are now exploring long-term urban planning solutions, such as underground transformers, to prevent similar congestion in the future.
The government has committed to speeding up relocation efforts, but officials acknowledge that land availability remains the biggest challenge. Until alternative spaces are secured, commuters may continue to face traffic snarls in key parts of the city.
