Ludhiana’s Power Network Upgraded; Rs 2.21 Bn Invested

07 May 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..