Every
day, nearly 13 lives are lost to electrocution in India, with electrical
hazards accounting for 40% of workplace fatalities. These alarming figures
highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures across industries.
Addressing this critical issue, Polycab, in collaboration with CNBC-TV18,
hosted the latest edition of the Infra Safety: Powering India’s Electrical
Future initiative.
On March
4, 2025, in Delhi, policymakers, industry leaders, and safety experts came
together to discuss the importance of electrical safety in India’s industrial
and mobility sectors. After successful discussions in Mumbai, Chennai, and
Hyderabad, Delhi conclave reinforced safety as a fundamental pillar of
infrastructure development.
Driving Awareness for a Safer
Infrastructure
The summit
opened with an air of urgency and commitment, setting the tone for a
high-impact discussion. The welcome address by Rajashekhar Reddy, Vice
President of Marketing at Polycab India Limited, highlighted Polycab’s
unwavering focus on safety, innovation, and global outreach. “At Polycab, safety is at the core of
everything we do. Our collaboration with CNBC-TV18 has created awareness and
driven meaningful discussions. We are committed to building a future where safety
is a priority in every aspect of industrial growth,” he said.
Bringing
a national perspective to the discussion, Shri Ram
Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu,
Minister of Civil Aviation of India, emphasised the importance of safety as a
shared responsibility. “As India moves
towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, smarter, safer, and sustainable
infrastructure is essential. I appreciate CNBC-TV18 and Polycab for starting
this important conversation,” he stated.
Electrical Safety: Driving India's Mobility Future
As India accelerates towards an electric future, the
role of safe, reliable power networks becomes even more critical. The first panel discussion, Electrical Safety: Igniting Smart Mobility Revolution in India,
brought together industry experts to examine the role of secure power networks
in electric mobility expansion. Panelists included Uday Narang, Founder &
Chairman, Omega Seiki; Amit Bhatt, MD, International Council of Clean Transport;
Bikramjiet Kukreja, Owner, V Consultant; Randheer
Singh, CEO and Founder, ForeSee Advisors and Anurag Agarwal, CEO, Global Exports & New
Businesses, Polycab.
Taking
the conversation beyond technology, Anurag Agarwal, CEO, Global Exports &
New Businesses, Polycab emphasized the importance of strong infrastructure. “The EV market is growing rapidly, but
safety remains a challenge. With almost 3 times the cables required in an EV
vehicle as compared to IC Engine vehicles, it is important to develop wires and
cables which can withstand extreme temperatures and voltages. Additionally,
training professionals for safe handling is critical,” he said. The
discussion focused on updated regulations, improved charging infrastructure,
and industry collaboration to ensure the safe adoption of electric vehicles.
Enhancing Electrical Safety in
Railways and Transit
India’s railway and metro networks are the lifelines
of urban mobility, but ensuring their safety requires constant innovation and
investment. The second panel discussion on Ensuring
Electrical Safety in
Railways and Modern Transit, focused on transportation safety. Industry Experts including Mangal
Dev, Head, Hitachi Rail India & South Asia; Vinod Kumar Yadav, Former
Chairman & CEO, Railway Board; Shriniwas Agrawal, Executive Director
- Electrical, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Anurag Agarwal, CEO Global
Exports & New Businesses, Polycab discussed the challenges faced by Indian Railways and metro networks.
With
railway infrastructure operating under immense pressure, electrical safety
improvements are a priority. Investments in modern technologies and stricter
safety measures have significantly reduced accident rates. Reflecting on the
progress made and the road ahead, Anurag Agarwal, CEO
Global Exports & New Businesses, Polycab spoke about the future of transit networks, stating, “By 2030, Indian Railways will undergo major
expansion. The use of advanced sensor cables will enhance reliability and
reduce maintenance costs.”
Vinod Kumar Yadav, Former
Chairman & CEO, Railway Board provided insights into railway infrastructure
challenges and shared, "Our railway infrastructure, including the Golden Quadrilateral,
is operating at over 140% capacity, leading to maintenance and operational difficulties. Since 2014, major investments and a
commitment to 100% electrification by 2030 have aimed to bridge the
demand-capacity gap. Safety remains a top priority, with predictive maintenance,
IoT, and global best practices driving efficiency. Freight capacity is set to
nearly double, and renewable energy initiatives like solar panel installations
along 53,000 hectares of railway land are key to this transformation.”
Setting New Benchmarks in Safety
and Compliance
Beyond infrastructure, the backbone of electrical
safety lies in quality materials, rigorous compliance, and industry-wide
awareness. The final discussion, Cross-Learning and the Roadmap Ahead, featured experts such as
Ashok Kumar Rajput, Member, Power System, Central Electricity Authority; Puneet Bhatnagar, Director, Tech Four Engineering and Shruti Goel, Director,
Proion, who emphasized the necessity of high-quality materials and proper
installation techniques to prevent short circuits and electrical failures.
Underlining
the need for long-term vigilance, Ashok Kumar Rajput, Member, Power System,
Central Electricity Authority, shared his views on Safety at the Core, saying, "Compromising on quality today can lead
to disasters tomorrow. Whether it’s a vehicle or an electrical fitting, safety
should never be overlooked. What’s hidden behind walls plays a crucial role in
the safety of our homes. Strict standards, proper supervision, and awareness
are essential. Electrical safety starts with strong regulations and strict
enforcement. Poor-quality materials, inadequate wiring, and counterfeit
products pose serious risks. Regular checks, adherence to standards, and
eliminating fake products are not just recommendations but necessities for a
secure and reliable future."
While
Atul Garg, Director of Delhi Fire Service, brought to light the real-world
consequences of electrical negligence. In his special address, he stated, “Every year, we receive around 30,000
fire-related calls, with 60% caused by electrical failures. This highlights the
importance of adopting better electrical safety practices, ensuring regular
maintenance, and supporting our firefighters, we can create a safer
tomorrow." he stated.
Advancing Safety in India’s
Infrastructure
With rapid urbanization and the emergence of smart
cities, the need for cutting-edge electrical safety solutions has never been
greater. Polycab has been at the forefront, developing fire-retardant,
low-smoke, and energy-efficient cables that ensure safety in various sectors.
Looking
ahead, Nikhil Jaisinghani, Executive Director, Polycab India Limited, outlined
the company’s vision. "India's power demand is surging as we electrify transport and
expand infrastructure. However, it is critical that this demand be met with
efficient deployment and sustainable solutions. Events like this play a crucial
role in shaping the future of power infrastructure, ensuring it is suited to
India's unique conditions—be it extreme heat, humidity, or evolving mobility
needs. As we move towards 2047, we have a significant opportunity to build
resilient and future-ready systems that will drive India's growth." he said.
Recognizing the Heroes of Fire
Safety
The summit
recognized and gave a tribute to the unsung
heroes of the Delhi Fire Services—individuals who risk their lives daily to
protect countless people. Their dedication and courage serve as a beacon of
hope, reminding us of the selfless service that keeps our cities safe. The fire safety professionals
honored included Rajesh Kumar Shukla, Subhas Chander, Dharambir Singh, Devendra
Kumar, Sonu Daggar, Karamjit, Amit Rana and Nitin Lochab for their dedication
to safety and emergency response.
The
summit ended with the Electrical Safety
Pledge, symbolizing a unified commitment to
prioritizing electrical safety in India's industrial and mobility sectors.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and experts came together to reinforce safety
as a fundamental pillar of progress, ensuring that as India moves towards its
vision for 2047, infrastructure development is not just advanced but also
secure and sustainable.
A Collective Commitment to a Safer India
As India advances toward its vision of
becoming a developed nation by 2047, initiatives like Infra Safety: Powering India’s Electrical Future play a crucial
role in ensuring that safety remains at the heart of progress. By fostering
collaboration between government, industry leaders, and safety experts, Polycab
and CNBC-TV18 continue to champion electrical safety as a vital component of
India’s industrial and mobility growth.