India, Aug. 5 -- The Delhi government's plan to move overhead electricity and telecom cables underground in Chandni Chowk has been delayed after surveys revealed far more utility lines than originally estimated, forcing authorities to redesign the project and widen the proposed multi-utility duct before work can begin, officials said on Tuesday.

The pilot project -- initially slated to begin on More Sarai Road and Esplanade Road and scheduled be completed by the end of July -- has yet to even start. Officials said a high-level committee will now be constituted to coordinate among multiple agencies and prepare a revised execution plan.

Delhi power minister Ashish Sood said the committee, headed by the additional chief secretary (power), ...