How Punjab plans to light up every home

November 15, 2025

Punjab’s power sector is undergoing one of its most ambitious transitions in recent memory, driven by a promise that has shaped daily conversations across the state: uninterrupted electricity for every home, farm and industry. The push comes under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has framed reliable power not only as a basic service but as a foundation for economic stability and social wellbeing. The initiative, known as the Roshan Punjab scheme, seeks to close the chapter on routine power cuts that have long disrupted households and slowed industrial output. It aims to build a system strong enough to supply round-the-clock electricity at an affordable cost by next year.

The scale of the effort signals a major shift in how Punjab manages energy planning and delivery. The government has committed an investment of about five thousand crore rupees, regarded as the largest regional allocation for power infrastructure in years. The project is being monitored by Power Minister Sanjeev Arora and PSPCL Chairman Ajay Kumar Sinha, who are overseeing a broad restructuring that involves generation, transmission and distribution. Their goal is straightforward: build a system in which no farmer loses a crop due to an unexpected outage and no factory floor falls silent because of voltage drops.

One of the most significant decisions in this plan is the government’s acquisition of the GVK Thermal Plant in Goindwal Sahib. The shift brings the plant under direct state control, giving the government greater authority over power generation at a time when demand patterns are increasingly unpredictable. Along with the takeover, officials have ensured long-term coal supply from the Pachhwara mine. This arrangement is intended to prevent generation shortages that previously forced reliance on expensive power purchases from outside the state during peak demand.

The energy overhaul extends far beyond generation. Across Punjab, new substations are under construction, while older stations are being modernised to handle higher loads. These upgrades are supported by fresh transmission lines designed to reduce technical losses and create a more stable grid. Voltage fluctuations have been a persistent problem in many districts, especially rural ones, and the new infrastructure aims to deliver consistent supply that meets the needs of farms, households and industries alike.

The scheme also targets the visible, everyday issues that shape public perception of electricity services. In 13 municipal corporations, PSPCL teams are conducting special drives to correct loose dangling wires, open meter boxes and disorganised connection points. These problems often appear minor but can cause local outages, fire hazards and safety concerns. By addressing them through concentrated campaigns, the state hopes to improve reliability while also rebuilding public confidence in the system.

Alongside field work, the government has focused on strengthening customer support. A modern call centre with 180 seats has been established in Mohali to improve the functioning of the 1912 helpline. The centre is equipped to handle high call volumes, track complaints efficiently and reduce waiting time during outages or technical issues. For many citizens, this helpline is the only direct touchpoint with the power department, and improving its responsiveness is seen as essential to the broader reform.

What makes the Roshan Punjab project notable is the combination of physical upgrades, administrative restructuring and public-facing reforms. Each element addresses a different layer of the power ecosystem. Transmission lines and substations target the backbone of the grid. The GVK plant acquisition strengthens supply planning. Field campaigns address the final point of delivery. The helpline upgrade improves communication and accountability. Together, these components reflect a larger effort to prepare Punjab for economic growth that depends heavily on energy security.

The scheme also signals a shift in how Punjab imagines its future. For decades, power shortages were treated as seasonal inconveniences, especially during the agricultural season when tube well usage peaks. The idea of a state free from power cuts was often dismissed as unrealistic. By setting a specific timeline and committing substantial resources, the government has attempted to recast uninterrupted power as an achievable and necessary goal.

Farmers, in particular, stand to benefit from a stable supply. Power cuts during irrigation hours not only disrupt crop cycles but also increase dependence on diesel generators, which raise costs and harm the environment. Industrial units face similar challenges. Even brief outages can halt production lines, damage equipment or affect product quality. Small businesses, which often lack backup systems, face repeated losses. A consistent power supply could help strengthen the manufacturing base and attract new investment, especially in regions that have struggled with infrastructure gaps.

The residential sector, too, has long dealt with erratic supply, especially during extreme weather. Households rely on electricity for cooling, heating, cooking and daily routines. Regular outages disrupt study schedules, remote work and basic household functions. For senior citizens, patients and young children, a reliable supply can have immediate implications for comfort and safety.

As the state pushes ahead, the success of Roshan Punjab will depend on careful execution. Large projects in the power sector often face delays, funding challenges and logistical hurdles. Ensuring long-term coal availability, coordinating construction timelines and maintaining transparent communication with the public will shape the outcome. Yet the broader vision is clear: a Punjab where routine outages no longer define daily life, and where the power grid supports both economic activity and household security.

If the scheme meets its objectives, it could shift Punjab’s identity as well. The state has long been associated with agricultural strength and entrepreneurial spirit. A dependable power network could strengthen both, opening the door to new opportunities in industry, services and technology. The phrase Roshan Punjab carries symbolic weight, and the effort behind it aims to make the promise tangible.