Universal Cables

What Universal Cables does

Universal Cables Limited (UNISTAR®), established in 1962 by late Shri M.P. Birla and listed on BSE (504212) and NSE (UNIVCABLES EQ), is an Indian power cable and capacitor manufacturer headquartered in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, with a corporate office in Gurugram and manufacturing facilities in Satna and Goa. The company manufactures XLPE power cables (Extra High Voltage up to 500 kV, Medium Voltage 3.3-33 kV, Low Voltage), PVC power and control cables, elastomeric cables, aerial bunched cables, and EV charging cables, alongside a capacitor and power-quality portfolio covering medium/low voltage capacitors, APFC panels, harmonic filter banks, surge capacitors, Static VAR Generators (SVG), and Active Harmonic Filters (AHF). Core manufacturing technology is Vertical Continuous Vulcanising (VCV) for EHV cables, originally licensed from Asea Kabels AB (now ABB) in 1977 and currently maintained through long-standing technical collaborations with Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. and Viscas Corporation of Japan, with NKT GmbH (Germany) supporting 400 kV cable know-how.

The company operates a B2B, quote-based enterprise sales model through a network of branch offices across major Indian metros and a dedicated export division reaching 50+ countries, complemented by an EPC turnkey division delivering underground power transmission systems up to 500 kV including cable monitoring via Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) technology. Its customer base spans power utilities (BSES, NTPC, BHEL, Reliance Energy, state electricity boards), industrial manufacturers (TATA Steels, Ultratech Cement, Madras Cement), railways and metro, renewable energy, oil & gas, and infrastructure segments. For FY26 the company reported Rs 2,182.40 crore in revenue (+25.83% YoY) and Rs 107.79 crore in standalone net profit (+171.58% YoY), with a Rs 3,025 crore pending order book and a Rs 73 crore modernization of the Satna EHV facility underway, funded in part by a Rs 200 crore non-convertible debenture programme. Recent strategic moves include a January 2026 Manufacturing Agreement with TS Conductor Corp for HTLS conductors, the launch of EV charging cables and renewable energy solutions, and active engagement in modernizing high-voltage product capabilities.

Name

Universal Cables

Legal name

Universal Cables Limited

Website

http://www.unistar.co.in

Company type

Public

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Universal Cables Limited (UNISTAR®) is an Indian manufacturer of XLPE power cables up to 500 kV, capacitors, and power-quality products, serving utilities, industrial enterprises, railways, and EPC projects domestically and across 50+ export markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Power Cables and Capacitors

NAICS

Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing (335311), Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing (335931), Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction (237130)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Power Cables & Conductors (LV/MV cables, flexible cables, bus wire, armored cable) (IMAGAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Power Cable (MV/HV) (IMADAMAB), Utility & Underground Distribution Cable (URD/Substation) (IMADAMAG), Underground transmission & distribution cable EPC (civil + cable install) (EUADAKAB), HVDC Cables & Overhead Lines (Subsea, Underground, Overhead) (EUADAMAB), Reactive Power & Power Quality Equipment (Capacitor Banks, Reactors, STATCOM/SVC, Harmonic Filters) (IMAGAAAG)

Keywords

• XLPE power cables
• EHV cable manufacturing
• Power capacitors
• Power quality solutions
• EPC transmission services

Headquarters

HQ city

Satna

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Power Cable Sales: Revenue from manufacturing and selling power cables including EHV XLPE cables (up to 500 kV), medium voltage, low voltage cables, control cables, and specialty cables
2. Capacitor and Power Quality Solutions: Sales of LT and HV power capacitors, APFC panels, harmonic filter banks, SVG, and AHF products for power factor correction and harmonic mitigation
3. EPC Turnkey Solutions: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services for underground power transmission systems up to 500 kV including cable designing, manufacturing, laying, jointing, installation, testing and commissioning
4. International Business/Exports: Export of cables, capacitors and power quality products to over 50 countries worldwide

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Universal Cables Limited (UNISTAR®) manufactures and supplies XLPE power cables (EHV up to 500 kV, medium voltage 3.3-33 kV, low voltage, aerial bunched), PVC power and control cables, elastomeric cables, and EV charging cables for utilities, industries, railways, telecom and renewable energy customers. Its Capacitor Division produces LT and HT power capacitors, surge capacitors, capacitor banks, APFC panels, harmonic filter banks, Static VAR Generators (SVG), and Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) for power factor correction and harmonic mitigation. The company also delivers turnkey EPC services for underground power transmission systems up to 500 kV, including cable Monitoring Systems based on DTS technology.

Product overview

Universal Cables Limited (UNISTAR®) operates as a diversified power and cable manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. The core product lines include XLPE Power Cables (Extra High Voltage up to 500 kV, Medium Voltage 3.3-33 kV, and Low Voltage), PVC Cables (Power and Control up to 11 KV), Elastomeric Cables, EV Charging Cables, and Aerial Bunched XLPE Cables. The Capacitor Division provides a full range of power quality solutions including Medium and Low Voltage Power Capacitors, Surge Capacitors, Capacitor Banks, HT & LT APFC Panels, Harmonic Filter Banks, Static VAR Generators (SVG), and Active Harmonic Filters (AHF). The Wire and Flexible product range includes Unistar FR, Unistar FR-LSH, and Unistar HFFR single-core industrial cables, Multicore Flexible Cables, Submersible Flat Cables, and Winding Wires for submersible pump motors. Additionally, the company offers Renewable Energy Solutions covering solar, wind, hydro, and battery energy storage systems, along with full EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) services for underground power transmission projects up to 500 kV. The company also provides turnkey solutions including Cable Monitoring Systems using Distributed Temperature Sensor technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Extra High Voltage XLPE Cables EHV XLPE cables ranging from 66-400 kV manufactured using Vertical Continuous Vulcanising (VCV) technology in technical collaboration with Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. and Viscas Corporation, Japan. Designed for underground power transmission in metro cities with highest reliability for uninterrupted power supply to utilities and large industrial users.
• Medium Voltage XLPE Cables Medium Voltage XLPE cables from 3.3 kV to 33 kV grade manufactured by dry curing process to Indian and international specifications with improved thermo-mechanical and excellent electrical properties. Used in power transmission, distribution, railways and petrochemical plants.
• Low Voltage XLPE Cables Low Voltage XLPE cables suitable for conductor operating temperature 90°C for general-purpose application, especially advantageous for use in steel plants, power station wiring, chemical plants and mines.
• Aerial Bunched XLPE Cables Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) for power distribution in congested urban areas, preferred for higher safety, reliability, lower power losses and ultimate system economy due to low installation, maintenance and operative costs.
• Power and Control PVC Cable PVC cables up to 11 KV grade for power distribution, control systems, utility networks, railway signaling installations, switching stations, textile mills, chemical plants and machine shops. Available with flame retardance (FR) or flame retardance low smoke halogen (FRLS) characteristics.
• Elastomeric Cables Elastomeric cables for trailing, ship wiring, defense use, mining cables, stacker-reclaimers, earth-moving equipment, silicon rubber cables for high temperature locations, fire survival cables, oil rigs, traction motors, wind energy generators and welding cables.
• EV Charging Cable EV Charging Cable designed for reliable connection between electric vehicle charging equipment and EVs, with thermal, oil and UV resistance. Rated voltage AC 300/500V, 450/750V and DC 1000V, operating temperature -40°C to +105°C.
• Medium Voltage Power Capacitors HT capacitor units manufactured in range of 50KVAr to 1000KVAr with voltage range of 1 KV to 22KV for applications in steel, cement, chemicals, railways, defense, electricity boards and utilities.
• Low Voltage Power Capacitors LT All-PP Capacitor units manufactured in range of 5KVAr to 200KVAr with voltage range of 110 V to 1000 V. Features SLDT design with 38% higher electrical strength and 60% lower dielectric losses.
• Surge Capacitors Surge capacitors capable of reducing steepness of over-voltage transients for transformers, motors and AC line connected equipment protection. Manufactured with capacitance values of 0.1 MFD, 0.25 MFD and 0.5 MFD at voltage ratings of 3.3, 6.6, 11 KV and 33 KV systems.
• Capacitor Banks High voltage shunt capacitor banks (3.3 kV to 132KV/220KV) manufactured with capacitor unit sizes of 50KVAr to 1000KVAr and voltage range of 1 KV to 24 KV, connected in star, double star and delta formations for utilities and industrial applications.
• HT and LT APFC Panels Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) Panels for power factor correction with ratings from 25 KVAR to 2000 KVAR in single module, featuring microprocessor-based digital controllers with computer compatibility and self-adaptable functionality for fluctuating loads.
• Harmonic Filter Banks Harmonic filter banks for mitigating harmonics in electrical networks caused by non-linear loads such as VFDs, rectifiers, inverters, UPS systems and arc furnaces. Minimizes Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels and enhances power factor efficiency.
• MV/HV Capacitor Banks for Transformer Testing Applications Capacitor banks engineered for transformer testing facilities with precision and stability for accurate reactive power support and voltage stability during routine, type and special transformer tests.
• Static VAR Generator (SVG) Power electronic device for dynamic reactive power compensation in real time. Provides instantaneous and bidirectional reactive power compensation with millisecond response time and four-quadrant operation for PF close to unity.
• Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) IGBT-based advanced Active Harmonic Filter available from 30 to 300A rating in standalone panel type design. Provides harmonic correction from 2nd to 50th order (2-level) or 2nd to 71st order (3-level) with PF compensation up to unity.
• Unistar FR (Fire Retardant Cables) Single Core PVC Insulated Multi-Strand Industrial Cables with FR Grade, 1100V, as per IS 694:2010. Features flexible copper conductor Class 5 as per IS 8130 with fire retardant properties.
• Unistar FR-LSH (Fire Retardant Low Smoke Halogen Cables) Single Core PVC Insulated Multi-Strand Industrial Cables with FR-LSH Grade, 1100V, as per IS 694:2010. Features fire retardant and low smoke halogen properties.
• Unistar HFFR (Halogen Free Flame Retardant Cables) Single Core HFFR (Halogen Free Flame Retardant) Insulated Multi-Strand Industrial Cables, 1100V, as per IS 17048:2018. More than 100% conductivity with flexible copper conductor Class 5 as per IS 8130.
• Multicore Flexible Cable PVC Insulated Multicore Flexible Cables conforming to IS 694 for AC systems rated voltages up to 1100V, 50Hz. Available in 2, 3 and 4 core configurations with sizes up to 150 sq.mm.
• Submersible Flat Cable Specially designed submersible flat cables for supplying power to submersible pumps and motors operating underwater. PVC insulated and PVC sheathed three-core flat cables conform to IS 694:2010 with voltage ratings of 110V, 230V and 415V.
• Winding Wires for Submersible Pump Motors High-quality single core winding wires for submersible motor windings including HR PVC insulated, Polyester & Polypropylene Insulated, and PE2/PA (XLPE insulated with nylon jacket) types. Designed to operate at elevated temperatures with superior insulation.
• EPC Division - Turnkey Underground Power Transmission Services Complete Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) solutions for underground power transmission systems up to 500 kV covering cable designing, manufacturing, laying, jointing, installation, testing and commissioning. Includes Cable Monitoring System (CMS) using Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) technology.
• Renewable Energy Solutions Comprehensive renewable energy solutions including Solar Power, Wind Power, Hydro Power, Biomass and Waste-to-Energy, Offshore Renewable Energy, and Hybrid Systems and Energy Storage (BESS) for supporting clean energy transition.

Quantifiable outcome

• Order book of Rs 3,025 crore as of March 31, 2026
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and historical.

• TS Conductor CorpcoreTechnology or Integration · 19 January 2026Universal Cables signed a Manufacturing Agreement with TS Conductor Corp to produce High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors domestically in India using TS Conductor's technology. The collaboration strengthens India's power transmission infrastructure by enabling higher current-carrying capacity with minimal sag for line uprating and grid expansion. The partnership aligns with government initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., JapancoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnical collaboration for EHV XLPE Cables (220 kV and above) and Optical Fibre cables. Furukawa provides advanced VCV technology for manufacturing extra high voltage cables up to 500 kV.
• Viscas Corporation, JapanmajorTechnology or IntegrationTechnical collaboration for EHV cable manufacturing and jointing accessories.
• Asea Kabels AB, Sweden (now ABB)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntroduced XLPE cable technology to India in 1977 through collaboration with Asea Kabels AB for EHV XLPE cables up to 145 kV.
• General Electric Company, USAmajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration for All Poly Propylene Capacitors (up to 220 kV) from 1985-1990 and Mixed Dielectric Capacitors from 1977-1982.
• Toshiba, JapanhistoricalTechnology or IntegrationInitial technical collaboration from 1967-1972 for Paper Capacitors manufacturing.
• BICC, UKhistoricalTechnology or IntegrationTechnical collaboration from 1962-1967 for Paper Insulated Cable manufacturing when the company was established.
• Ericsson, SwedenhistoricalTechnology or IntegrationTechnical collaboration from 2001-2006 for Optical Fibre cables.
• NKT GmbH & Co. KG, GermanymajorTechnology or IntegrationTechnical collaboration for 400 kV cable technology, mentioned as one of the key partnerships enhancing manufacturing capabilities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Polycab India Limited: India's largest cable and wire manufacturer with a comprehensive portfolio spanning EHV, MV, and LV cables, plus EPC capabilities. Closest direct competitor to Universal Cables in the Indian power cable market, with significantly larger scale and broader distribution.
• Finolex Cables Limited: Established Indian cable manufacturer producing power cables, communication cables, and electrical wires. Comparable in domestic cable product breadth with a long operating history and similar exposure to Indian utilities and industrial customers.
• RR Kabel Limited: Indian wire and cable manufacturer with strong presence in LT and HT cables, plus growing EHV capability. Directly competes with Universal Cables in industrial and utility cable segments with similar go-to-market.
• CMI Limited: Indian cable manufacturer specializing in EHV, HT, and LT cables with in-house EPC capabilities. Closely matches Universal Cables' product profile and customer base, particularly in power T&D.
• Apar Industries Limited: Diversified Indian manufacturer with conductors, cables, and transformer oils. Directly comparable in power transmission products (especially conductors and HTLS), and a potential competitor for the new TS Conductor HTLS line Universal Cables is bringing in.
• KEI Industries Limited: Major Indian cable manufacturer offering EHV, HT, LT, and instrumentation cables plus EPC turnkey solutions. Direct competitor in power cables and project execution, with strong presence in utility, industrial, and infrastructure segments.

Emerging players

• V-Guard Industries Limited: Indian electrical products company expanding into wires and cables for residential and commercial markets. A smaller, emerging competitor in the wires segment but not yet a direct threat in EHV or utility-grade cables.

Broad incumbents

• Havells India Limited: Large diversified Indian electrical equipment company with cables as a major product line alongside switchgear, lighting, and appliances. Broader portfolio than Universal Cables but competes directly in LV/MV cables and wires.
• Nexans S.A. Global cable manufacturer with strong EHV, submarine, and land cable offerings. Competes for major EHV utility projects and exports to India; represents global technology benchmark for Universal Cables' Furukawa/NKT-partnered products.
• Prysmian Group: Global leader in power cables with extensive EHV and submarine cable expertise. Represents the upper bound of cable technology and scale; competes with Universal Cables on large EHV utility tenders in India and export markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/universal-cables-ltd

Compliance16 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Universal Cables