India, March 6 -- It's not just the concreting of city streets; the BMC will not permit utilities from excavating roads after May 31. All ongoing works by these utilities, such as electricity and gas companies, drainage and storm water drain lines, to laying optic fiber cables, all works must be completed by this deadline.

In South Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) is replacing its electricity cable network laid more than 80 years ago. This is being executed under the central government's revamped distribution sector scheme and will two to three years to complete. All extra-high voltage, high-voltage and low-voltage cables are being replaced as and when the BEST receives permission.

The BEST sa...