India’s real estate sector contributes
around 7% to the GDP. It drives urban transformation and creates jobs for
millions. As demand for innovative spaces grows, safety in design, materials,
and execution becomes crucial.
Polycab and CNBC-TV18 have launched a
pioneering initiative to highlight electrical safety in real estate,
manufacturing, and mobility. This initiative brings together industry leaders,
policymakers, and visionaries. It fosters discussions on efficient cabling
solutions and safety standards.
After successful conclaves in Mumbai
and Chennai, the focus now shifts to Hyderabad. The city is rapidly evolving
into a major urban hub. In a single month, over 87,000 residential applications
and nearly 800 commercial projects were registered. Hyderabad’s real estate
boom is driven by visionary planning, world-class infrastructure, and
progressive governance.
The city is a hub for IT, pharmaceuticals,
healthcare, data centers, and Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Major industry
players are investing here. With rapid urban expansion, robust electrical
safety standards are essential. They ensure public safety, boost investor
confidence, and support economic growth.
Polycab India Limited offers
innovative, energy-efficient, and safe electrical solutions. Through the Infra Safety: Powering India’s Electrical
Future conclave, Polycab and CNBC-TV18 promote a safer and more resilient
real estate sector.
Real
Estate Boom and The Hidden Risks of Ignoring Electrical Safety
The Infra Safety
conclave emphasized the urgent need for electrical safety, particularly in
Telangana, where the event was held. The state is experiencing rapid economic
growth, targeting a
$1 trillion economy by 2036. Hyderabad,
the capital, leads this transformation. Telangana's IT exports surged by 11.2%
in FY24. Hyderabad is also becoming a
key hub for data centers, with an expected threefold growth by 2030.
This booming economy
has driven a real estate surge. Hyderabad's residential launches grew by 10%, surpassing
Bengaluru and Mumbai. Major tech investments, like Amazon Web Services' $2.8
billion and NPCI's $70
million, are fueling this demand.
However, this growth
places significant strain on power infrastructure. Peak power demand in the
state is set to nearly double, from 15,623 MW in FY24 to 31,809 MW by 2035. With rising electrical loads, ensuring the safety and
integrity of electrical systems in buildings and communities is more critical
than ever.
Srinivas Valluri,
National President of - the Fire & Security Association of India &
Chairman of Synergy Consultants, points out, "Electrical loads have
increased, and so the way we manage these loads and the equipment we use has
also improved." Yet, despite this growing need, regulatory frameworks seem
insufficient. Srinivas Valluri, National President of the Fire & Security
Association of India, highlighted the gaps in current regulations. "None
of the codes—whether it's IS 1180, NBC, or any other international
standard—cover this fully. They only address 80% of the requirements," Mr.
Valluri added.
The risks are
alarming. Faulty wiring and electrical short circuits are the leading causes of
fire incidents, with one-third of all fires globally attributed to electrical
issues. Mr Valluri underscores the human cost: "This is a major issue
related to personal safety, and these gaps are the reasons why we lose almost
35 Indians to electrical accidents every day." Additionally, a lack of
awareness and proper training worsens the situation.
How Electrical Safety Is
Key To Disaster Prevention?
The significance of
electrical safety cannot be overstated. Poor electrical management can lead to
catastrophic consequences, including fires, property damage, and loss of life.
A chilling example of this is the Mundka fire in Delhi in 2022, where 27 lives
were tragically lost due to an electrical short circuit. Similarly, Telangana
sees over 20 fire accidents
daily, many of them caused by electrical malfunctions.
Beyond
infrastructure, human errors also play a critical role. Abhishek Chanda,
Director of Vasavi Group, outlines three major reasons for electrical hazards:
"First, improper use of electrical appliances, such as cooking equipment,
can lead to dangerous situations. Second, technical failures, like issues with
the electrical supply, can cause major disruptions. Lastly, human
negligence—such as smoking in restricted areas—can also contribute to
electrical risks. Experts emphasize that understanding and addressing these
factors is key to preventing such incidents."
Neglecting electrical
safety in the face of rapid urbanization poses significant risks. The industry
must recognize that sustainable growth isn't just about infrastructure—it's
about ensuring that every building, from IT parks to high-rise apartments,
prioritizes safety.
Experts emphasize the
need for proactive measures. Y. Linga Reddy, Chief Engineer, R&B
Department, Govt. of Telangana, stresses, "Old buildings should have their
wiring replaced with new copper MI cables to enhance safety." He adds that
a "well-planned power distribution system is essential to prevent
electrical hazards." Proper safety protocols, regular audits, and
compliance with evolving standards are crucial for sustaining Telangana's real
estate boom without compromising public safety.
India has a robust
regulatory framework governing electrical safety, including the Electricity Act
of 2003 and the Indian Electricity Rules of 1956. Ensuring compliance with
these standards can significantly reduce the risks associated with electrical
hazards. Regular inspections, audits, and adherence to updated safety
regulations help maintain safe electrical infrastructure in buildings.
The
Role of a Trained Workforce and Certified Installations
DeboOne of the biggest challenges in the electrical
safety sector is ensuring a skilled, certified workforce. Anurag Agarwal, CEO, Global Exports & New
Businesses at Polycab, pointed
out that the lack of proper training and certification for electricians is a
critical issue. He remarked, "We,
as a society, need to focus on installation guidelines and the certification of
installers and electricians who work for all of us. That is the biggest challenge
in the industry, impacting various safety concerns," he noted.
Regulating and mandating certified electricians for all
installations can prevent many electrical mishaps. According to Mr. Agarwal,
electrical hazards claim 35 lives daily. Polycab has taken proactive steps by
training nearly 10,000 electricians this year alone, expanding their network to
1.5 lakh trained professionals. This initiative is crucial in bridging the gap
in skilled electrical workers and reducing safety risks.
The
Role of Periodic Inspections and Infrastructure Renewal
To ensure long-term
safety, experts recommend periodic inspections and infrastructure updates. Sri Y. Nagi Reddy, IPS, Director General,
Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence, Hyderabad, emphasized
the role of state electricity departments. "State electricity departments
should play a key role in ensuring long-term electrical safety in buildings.
Just as a NOC (No Objection Certificate) is renewed every five years, there
should be a structured policy mandating periodic inspections and necessary
upgrades. A practical approach would be to implement a regulation requiring
wiring replacements every 10 to 15 years, based on the lifespan of electrical
components."
Implementing such
measures would ensure that electrical systems remain compliant with the latest
safety standards, reducing the likelihood of fires and other disasters.
Smart
Buildings: Strengthening Electrical Safety in Sustainable Construction
Sustainable
construction is no longer just a trend - it's a necessity for the future of
smart buildings. With rising energy demands and growing concerns about
electrical safety, developers must ensure that sustainability and safety go
hand in hand. This begins at the design stage, where integrating electrical
planning from day one can prevent costly and hazardous oversights.
M. Anand, Deputy
Executive Director of IGBC, highlights the importance of early collaboration,
saying, "The green building is all about how we are able to integrate the
team right from day one. It should now include all the projects, what kind of
cable, what kind of duct, what kind of voltage job, and what kind of expansion
plan we are able to bring it."
This integrated
approach ensures that electrical safety is prioritized alongside energy
efficiency. Green buildings certified by IGBC or LEED have significantly
reduced energy demands. Anand explains, "When we started the movement from
IGBC, it used to talk about one million square feet of office space, the
electrical demand would be ten to twelve megawatts. Now, IGBC-certified
projects, the consultants too, credit we are talking about five megawatts. When
the load comes down, all your retirement plans are well integrated."
Mitra Sripada,
Director of Design Tree Service Consultants, echoes the value of collaboration,
saying, "As urbanization grows rapidly and the real estate sector
develops, it is essential to adopt a collaborative approach. If developers,
policymakers, manufacturers, and safety experts can work together, a culture of
responsibility can be created. These key stakeholders must build an ecosystem
where safety is not an afterthought but an integral part of real estate
assessment and development. Safety should always be at the forefront of the
process."
Mr. Anand, too,
emphasizes, safety should always come first, "So safety is paramount, even
before optimizing energy efficiency on your glass values or air conditioner
energy specification, electrical safety is not at all compromised."
For developers,
staying ahead of technological advancements is key to building safer, smarter
homes. YR Nagaraja, Chairman of Ramky Infrastructure Limited, acknowledges this
challenge. And stresses the importance of adapting to new innovations. He
remarked, "As a developer, my challenge is keeping pace with technology
and the new products that are constantly emerging. It's essential to
incorporate these advancements at the design stage. We work closely with our
consultants, including Design Tree and others, to ensure we stay updated. My
role involves regularly interacting with these consultants, understanding
market trends, and keeping track of new products from manufacturers. This helps
us integrate the latest innovations into our projects effectively."
With Hyderabad
emerging as India's green building capital—home to IGBC's headquarters and the
world's first platinum-rated houses—the city is leading the way in sustainable
and safe construction.
G. Hari Babu,
President of NAREDCO Ahead, highlighted this progress, stating, "We are
beautiful not because of the skylines we see in Hyderabad. We are beautiful
because in the past decade, our green cover has increased from 24% to 32%,
amounting to a total increase of 266 crore."
Looking
Ahead: The Future of Electrical Safety in Real Estate
The future of
electrical safety in real estate is poised for a significant transformation
driven by the integration of new-age technologies. The shift towards
underground cabling is one such advancement that will drastically improve
safety. As Sri Musharraf Faruqui, IAS, CMD of the Southern Power Distribution
of Telangana State, highlighted, "The CM has announced that there should
be underground cabling of electric wires. Once such massive projects come into
action, it shall make a huge impact." This shift will help eliminate the
risks associated with exposed overhead wires, such as electrical faults, power
outages, and fire hazards, especially in densely populated urban areas.
As electrical systems
evolve, smart technology will play an increasingly crucial role in enhancing
safety. Smart grids, AI-powered monitoring, and IoT-based predictive
maintenance tools will be at the forefront. These technologies allow real-time
tracking of electrical networks, identifying potential risks before they
escalate into serious issues. With predictive maintenance, interventions can
occur well in advance of any fault or failure, further safeguarding both
infrastructure and human life.
Prasad Nishtala, Fire
Safety Consultant and President of FSAI Hyderabad envisions a future where
electrical systems become even more intelligent: "Looking ahead, I see a
future where cables will become significantly smarter. We can expect
advancements such as heat-sensitive cables that change color when temperatures
rise, as well as linear heat detection cables integrated into cable trays.
These systems will be directly connected to IoT, enabling real-time monitoring
and immediate response to potential hazards." Such innovations will drastically
reduce response times and improve overall safety protocols.
The outlook for
electrical safety is further brightened by promising advancements in fire and
electrical safety technology. Sandip Patnaik, Senior MD of Hyderabad &
Board of Directors at JLL India, remains optimistic about the future: "I'm
very bullish about the future, especially as India leads the world in
innovation. In the next few years, we'll see significant advancements in fire
and electrical safety. The outlook for electrical safety is promising, with
cutting-edge solutions on the horizon. Sensor cables that offer real-time
protection provide immediate solutions, and trigger alarms will become the
industry standard. These technologies are not just concepts—we are already
bringing them to the market."
The rise of green
buildings plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of electrical safety as
well. The growing demand for sustainability, driven by tenant expectations and
awareness of its health benefits, has made green buildings a necessity rather
than a trend. Developers are now integrating green building standards across
both residential and commercial projects. As Mr. Patnaik explains,
"Sustainability is no longer an option but an expectation." This
shift, propelled by the increasing prioritization of social and environmental
responsibility, is reshaping the construction landscape.
Powering
Electric Safety in Real Estate
In conclusion,
electrical safety is key to the future of real estate. In the words of Anurag
Agarwal, "To be the best, we must commit fully. There's no turning
back." Debajyoti Mukherjee, Vice
President, Technical Marketing, Polycab concurs saying "Safety is our
prime responsibility and we prioritize innovation following high safety
standards clubbed with awareness and compliance."
We must adopt
sustainable practices, use new technologies, and ensure our electrical systems
are safe. The future of electrical safety looks bright with innovations like
underground cabling and AI-powered monitoring.
For this future to happen,
developers, regulators, and experts must work together to ensure electrical
integrity. We need safer, smarter, and more sustainable real estate. And the
time to act is now.