Safeguarding Our Future: Why Electrical Integrity Can't Be Overlooked in Modern Real Estate Projects

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.