- विज्ञापन -
Nakodar (Jalandhar): In a major step towards strengthening Punjab’s power infrastructure, Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Nakodar MLA Smt. Inderjit Kaur Mann, today laid the foundation stone of a 66 KV electricity substation in Chittar Hara village, Nakodar.
Addressing the gathering here, The Cabinet Minister said that this new power station, estimated to cost ₹7 crore, will feature a 12.5 MVA power transformer and a 4.5 km long 66 KV line. It will also include nine 11 KV feeders—six agricultural, one urban, and two UPS feeders. Once operational, the substation will directly benefit 20 villages and indirectly improve the power supply for another 17 villages, thereby catering to the a total of 37 villages.
He further added that the substation will reduce feeder length, resulting in fewer breakdowns and providing uninterrupted power to agricultural, domestic, and industrial consumers. It will also alleviate the load on the 132 KV Nakodar, 220 KV Noormahal, and 66 KV Shamshabad and Shankar power stations, improving their efficiency.
Harbhajan Singh ETO further reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to upgrading basic infrastructure in the state. “This project will prove to be a milestone in the state’s development, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the people of Nakodar and beyond,” he said.
Mr. ETO said that the Punjab Government has undertaken extensive upgrades to power grids over the past 2.5 years, reducing their load to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Highlighting the state’s commitment to improving energy infrastructure, the minister revealed that Rs. 273 crore has been sanctioned to revamp power systems in Jalandhar district alone.
Cabinet Minister ETO also emphasized the success of the government’s free electricity scheme, offering up to 600 units without discrimination or cumbersome procedures. “Unlike previous administrations that subjected consumers to inspections and applications for 200 free units, while our government has provided this benefit seamlessly, bringing relief to 90% of power users,” he stated. Despite these initiatives, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) recorded a profit of Rs. 800 crore.
He criticized prior governments for closing Punjab’s Pachwara coal mine, calling the decision driven by vested interests. The reopening of the mine has generated Rs. 1,000 crore in benefits for the state.
Additionally, the government’s purchase of a private thermal plant for Rs.1,080 crore has yielded over Rs. 300 crore in profit, transforming PSPCL into a profit-making entity from a deficit-ridden one.
The Cabinet Minister also pointed to significant recruitment efforts to address manpower shortages and revolutionary steps in solar energy, including providing affordable solar plants, as pivotal moves in strengthening Punjab’s energy sector. These initiatives, he said, reflect the state government’s commitment to modernizing Punjab’s power landscape.
MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann expressed gratitude to the minister for this major project and noted that as many as 37 villages will get benefit from this project. These villages included Bir pind, Litra, Mirapur, Sidhwa, Sanghe Jagir, Sanghe Khalsa, Nawampind Araiya, Pandori Jagir, Mahunwal, Sharkpur, Muzaffarpur, Upal Khalsa, Upal Jagir, Rampur, Hardosheikh, Bhandal Butta, Bhandal Himmat, Kotla Mohalla, Bhangala, Nakodar City, Sunnar Kalan, Pabman, Dalla, Natta, Syaniwal, Alowal, Dherian, Muhem, Shamashabad, Shankar, Sarih, Chak Kalan, Chak Muglan, Hussainabad, Tahli, Kandola Kalan and Gumtala. “This grid brings much-needed relief and development for the region’s residents,” she remarked.
Prominent attendees included Chairman Punjab Safai Karmchari Commission Chandan Grewal, Chief Engineer PSPCL Ramesh Kumar Sarangal, Chairman Punjab Agri Export Corporation Mangal Bassi, SDM Nakodar Lal Vishwash Bains, Senior AAP leader Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Parminder Singh Pandori, Pawan Kumar Tinu, and others.
