Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has announced the successful completion of a major overhaul of Ludhiana’s power distribution system during FY 2024–25, executed at a cost of Rs 2.21 billion. The initiative focused on modernising infrastructure, curbing power theft, and improving overall reliability to meet growing electricity demands.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister called the project a milestone in delivering uninterrupted and high-quality electricity. “We are committed to strengthening the entire supply chain to support industrial growth and improve consumer satisfaction,” he said.

Key upgrades include the enhancement of 19 transformers from 20 MVA to 31.5 MVA, and a capacity boost for three 220 kV units from 100 MVA to 160 MVA. Two additional 20 MVA transformers were installed, amounting to Rs 1.25 billion in investment.

To modernise transmission, about 450 km of high-tension and 470 km of low-tension lines were upgraded. Old ACSR conductors were replaced with HTLS variants, and insulated cables were installed in theft-prone areas, costing Rs 130 million.

The project also saw the addition of 921 new distribution transformers and the replacement of 396 overloaded units, with Rs 470 million allocated. To further optimise power flow, 79 feeders were bifurcated at a cost of Rs 230 million.

Smart meter deployment—totalling 92,757 units—helped reduce power theft and improved billing efficiency by 8 per cent. These efforts led to a decline in voltage complaints and electrical accidents, enhancing both consumer safety and service reliability.

Looking ahead to FY 2025–27, the state has approved Rs 7.28 billion for further upgrades. Plans include the construction of 14 new substations (Rs 2.8 billion), completion of the 220 kV GIS substation at Giaspura within 15 days (Rs 650 million), bifurcation of 175 feeders (Rs 875 million), and installation of 2,010 new transformers (Rs 605 million). Another Rs 700 million will go toward enhancing 20 power transformers.

Despite challenges such as right-of-way issues, adverse weather, and labour shortages, the minister confirmed that solutions including underground cabling, digital monitoring, and workforce training are being prioritised to ensure a future-ready power network.