Underground Cable Procurement Overview
Bangladesh is actively advancing underground cable projects to modernize urban power networks. Large-scale programs are under way to replace overhead transmission and distribution lines with underground cable systems in major cities such as Dhaka and Chattogram, driving rapid demand for a wide range of cable types including XLPE and PILC. This article reviews the main procurement trends visible through the PMS framework.
Project Scale and Technical Requirements
Underground cable projects in Bangladesh broadly fall into two categories: urban distribution network undergrounding and new transmission line construction. In Dhaka, DESCO and DPDC are leading distribution undergrounding programs, while PGCB is responsible for underground transmission sections linking key urban corridors. XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) insulated cable has become the standard specification, and heat resistance and moisture resistance suited to tropical operating conditions are treated as core technical requirements.
| Procuring Entity | Project | Cable Type | Total Length | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESCO | Northern Dhaka distribution undergrounding | 11kV XLPE | ~350 km | ~$45M |
| DPDC | Southern Dhaka distribution undergrounding | 11-33kV XLPE | ~280 km | ~$38M |
| PGCB | 132kV transmission undergrounding | 132kV XLPE | ~45 km | ~$52M |
| BPDB | Chattogram distribution modernization | 11kV XLPE/PILC | ~180 km | ~$22M |
| BREB | Rural cable replacement | 11kV XLPE | ~500 km | ~$18M |