Polycab and CNBC-TV18’s Vision for a Safer India: Embedding Electrical Safety into Industry Practices
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.
