NEW DELHI: Across Indian cities, overhead cables have become a serious concern. In densely populated metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune, fiber optic and power lines hang loosely from poles, often tangled, unorganized, and dangerously low. As India rapidly expands its digital infrastructure through programmes like BharatNet and the 5G rollout, the lack of proper overhead cable management is becoming both a safety and service challenge.

The country has made huge strides in laying fiber optic networks under the Smart Cities Mission. But while the focus has been on speed and coverage, maintenance tools for fiber networks have lagged. This neglect is creating real risks — from disrupted internet services to public safety hazards, especially during the monsoon season. With cables often tied using plastic ropes or zip ties, many streets resemble chaotic construction zones.

To address this growing issue, Star Infomatic Pvt. Ltd., a leading Indian manufacturer of fiber optic solutions, has developed a device – the Star Cable Climper. This ground-operated cable bundling tool is designed to organize and secure overhead cables without the need for ladders or service shutdowns.

The tool features a 20-foot extendable FRP pole, enabling a technician to bundle and align fiber cables safely from ground level. It's being hailed as a practical solution for telecom companies, utility providers, and municipal corporations across India.

Unlike expensive underground cabling projects, which demand months and large budgets, the Cable Climper provides a faster, safer, and repeatable option. It helps reduce street clutter, protect live fiber lines from accidental damage, and improve the reliability of internet and CCTV services.

Mr. Anurag Saxena, MD, Star Infomatic, said, “This kind of solution fits well into India’s Smart City development goals, which emphasize clean urban infrastructure and efficient public systems. Several municipalities have already shown interest in the overhead cable fixer as a low-investment telecom maintenance tool.”

“With just one tool and one trained person, you can clean up an entire stretch of fiber or power cables in a day,” he added. “It doesn’t require a complex fiber deployment system — just regular use and smart planning.”

With over 100 smart cities expected in India by 2030, the spotlight is now on maintaining safe and organized infrastructure — particularly overhead fiber and power lines. Currently, urban cable maintenance remains reactive, handled by untrained workers using unsafe methods, leading to long-term infrastructure chaos.

The Star Infomatic Cable Climper, Made in India, is engineered for local conditions like extreme temperatures, dust, and narrow streets. Industry experts suggest it could also benefit other developing nations with poor cable infrastructure, such as in Southeast Asia and Africa.

In an industry where attention often goes to AI, 5G, and cutting-edge IoT solutions, this tool is a reminder that simple preventive maintenance devices can deliver the most visible impact.

As India continues to grow its broadband and fiber grid, tools like the Star Cable Climper may not expand the network — but they’ll help keep it safe, tidy, and functional, one street at a time.