The city’s electricity distribution network is set for a major expansion, with approval granted for five new power zones, taking the total from 30 to 35. The decision was finalised at the Board of Directors’ meeting of the Madhya Pradesh West Zone Power Distribution Company held on Friday evening.

The meeting was chaired by Avinash Lavania, state energy secretary and chairman of the power distribution companies. Attendees included RR Meena from the finance department, West Discom managing director Anoop Kumar Singh, OSD (energy department) VK Gaur, Dr Aruna Tiwari, Dr Prashant Salwan, chief general manager Prakash Singh Chauhan and several senior officials.

Singh announced that the five newly approved zones are Tulsi Nagar Zone, Mangaliya Urban Zone, Silicon City Zone, Bilawali Zone and Nandbagh Zone. Consumers from nearby existing zones will be integrated into these new zones to improve the speed and efficiency of electricity services at the local level.

To enhance supervision and maintenance of underground cables—particularly in Smart City areas and new residential colonies—the board also approved the creation of a dedicated Underground Line (UGN) Subdivision. In addition, a separate Simhastha Division has been sanctioned to manage increased electricity load and operational requirements for the Simhastha 2028 event. This division will function until the event concludes.

The approvals for the new zones and the UGN subdivision have initially been granted for one year. Several other administrative and operational decisions were also taken during the meeting. Senior officials present included executive director Gajra Mehta, chief engineers SL Karwaria, Kamesh Srivastava and SR Semil, chief finance officer Ajay Pal Singh Awasya and company secretary Aradhana Kulkarni.