PMC's Battle Against Illegal Broadband Cables in Pune: 24 Km Removed, Operators Reinstall Rapidly
Pune, 10th April 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) embarked on a significant three-day operation in the Wadgaon Sheri and Nagar Road areas to dismantle unauthorized overhead broadband cables. The drive resulted in the removal of nearly 24 kilometres of illegal wiring.
However, the impact of this crackdown was short-lived, as private operators swiftly reinstalled the cables almost immediately after they were removed. This rapid reinstallation undermines the efforts of the civic body to maintain a safe and regulated urban environment.
The initiative comes in response to a staggering revelation by civic officials that approximately 3,600 kilometres of unauthorized cables are spread across Pune city. Following directives from the standing committee chairman, the PMC’s electrical department formed specialized teams to undertake a citywide removal drive.
During the operation in the Nagar Road belt, officials removed around 1,600 metres of illegal cables in Wagholi, 14,000 metres in Viman Nagar, and approximately 8,400 metres along streetlight poles in Kharadi and nearby areas. These actions temporarily disrupted internet services provided by private operators in these localities.
Despite the disruption, operators allegedly redeployed manpower to quickly reconnect the cut cables and, in some instances, laid new lines. This immediate response has significantly undermined the civic body’s efforts to combat the issue.
Junior Engineer Mangesh Misal from the streetlight department stated that a team of 15 staff members carried out the operation. “The drive against unauthorized cables will continue. No FIR has been registered so far,” he mentioned. PMC officials have indicated that they may intensify further action to ensure compliance and prevent the recurrence of illegal installations.
The proliferation of unauthorized cables poses safety hazards and aesthetic issues in the city. Civic authorities are determined to address these concerns and create a more organized and safe urban landscape for the residents of Pune.
