Sylhet became the first city in Bangladesh to get rid of overhead wires while capital Dhaka still remains stuck in the survey phase.
Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) introduced an electric power transmission and distribution network, putting an end to conventional wired over-the-top electric poles.
The full-fledged operation of the installation of underground lines and the removal of the overhead wires took place in the beginning of this year.
According to the power distribution companies they are still carrying out surveys in Dhaka while Sylhet has already set up underground power lines in Dargah Gate area.
Experts said that the only way to make Dhaka free of conventional wires is underground wiring.
They say once there are no electricity poles, the internet and cable TV operators will also be forced to set up underground wires.
Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) has submitted a pilot project with the Power Division to make parts of Gulshan and Baridhara free of overhead wires.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) Ltd has only undertaken a pilot project for Dhanmondi where the feasibility studies have been completed.
Both the state-owned power companies say that it will take another three years to complete the task for Dhanmondi and the delay is due to the wider area they have to cover compared to Sylhet.
They added that the process itself is time-consuming and expensive.
DESCO chief Shahed Sarwar said that they have already sent the pilot project for Gulshan and Baridhara to the ministry for clearance.
He added that in order to undertake such projects, they have to consult with the stake holders that include city corporation, Rajdhani Unnayan Katripakkha (RAJUK) and the Roads and Highway authority.
“We are already facing problems to take some wires underground. We’re not getting city corporation clearance,” he said before adding that the biggest challenge is co-ordination with the stakeholders.
Responding to queries on the matter DPDC Managing Director Bikash Dewan says that despite the obstacles they have undertaken the challenge.
“In the first phase the wires of several areas in Dhanmondi will go underground,” he said.
According to DPDC sources, Australian company EnergyTron Australia has been appointed in the capacity of consultant.
They are expected to submit the survey report by March after will the design will be drafted.
The design for Dhanmondi is complete for 105 kilometres including Satmasjid Road, Road-27, Road-2.
A project for underground cabling in some parts of Keraniganj has also been undertaken but no progress has been made.