Tiruchy Farmers Await Free Power As Only 342 Get Connections

07 Nov 2025 CW Team

Officials said that although progress has been slow, it marks a slight improvement compared to last year’s performance.

“In 2024–25, we managed to provide around 400 connections against a target of about 2,000. This year, we’ve already crossed 340 by the seventh month and are working to accelerate the process in the remaining period,” a senior Tangedco official said.

The Tangedco Tiruchy division has also prepared readiness reports for 2,665 additional connections, which will be prioritised under three categories — Tatkal (one-time payment) connections, Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) scheme connections, and fully free farmer connections.

Under the Tatkal scheme, farmers pay up to Rs 2 million (Rs 20 lakh) as a one-time charge to cover wiring and installation costs, after which electricity usage becomes free. Currently, officials said priority is being given to one-time payment applicants, but efforts are being made to speed up free connection disbursal in the coming months.

The majority of new connections in Tiruchy have been provided in the Lalgudi, Musiri, and Thuraiyur regions. However, the slow progress is not unique to Tiruchy. Across Tamil Nadu, the pace of providing free agricultural electricity connections remains sluggish.

According to an RTI response received in July 2025, Tangedco provided only 15,000 free power connections statewide in the 2024–25 fiscal year, far below the government’s initial target of 50,000.

Officials confirmed that the target was later reduced to 15,000 for the current financial year due to budgetary constraints.

Extending free power to farms involves high infrastructure costs, including the installation of electric poles, transformers, and metres. Many farmlands are situated far from main transmission lines, increasing material and labour expenses.

“While the government remains committed to providing free power to farmers, both financial limitations and logistical challenges have slowed down the implementation,” the official added.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Over six months into the financial year, only 342 farmers in Tiruchy district have received free electricity connections out of a target of 925, while more than 8,000 applications remain pending, according to officials from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco). Officials said that although progress has been slow, it marks a slight improvement compared to last year’s performance. “In 2024–25, we managed to provide around 400 connections against a target of about 2,000. This year, we’ve already crossed 340 by the seventh month and are working to accelerate the process in the remaining period,” a senior Tangedco official said. The Tangedco Tiruchy division has also prepared readiness reports for 2,665 additional connections, which will be prioritised under three categories — Tatkal (one-time payment) connections, Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) scheme connections, and fully free farmer connections. Under the Tatkal scheme, farmers pay up to Rs 2 million (Rs 20 lakh) as a one-time charge to cover wiring and installation costs, after which electricity usage becomes free. Currently, officials said priority is being given to one-time payment applicants, but efforts are being made to speed up free connection disbursal in the coming months. The majority of new connections in Tiruchy have been provided in the Lalgudi, Musiri, and Thuraiyur regions. However, the slow progress is not unique to Tiruchy. Across Tamil Nadu, the pace of providing free agricultural electricity connections remains sluggish. According to an RTI response received in July 2025, Tangedco provided only 15,000 free power connections statewide in the 2024–25 fiscal year, far below the government’s initial target of 50,000. Officials confirmed that the target was later reduced to 15,000 for the current financial year due to budgetary constraints. Extending free power to farms involves high infrastructure costs, including the installation of electric poles, transformers, and metres. Many farmlands are situated far from main transmission lines, increasing material and labour expenses. “While the government remains committed to providing free power to farmers, both financial limitations and logistical challenges have slowed down the implementation,” the official added.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..