Minister lays stone of 66 KV power substation in Nakodar
In a major step towards strengthening state's power infrastructure, Punjab Power and PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with Nakodar MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann, today laid the foundation stone of a 66 KV electricity substation in Chittar Hara village, Nakodar.
Addressing a gathering, the Cabinet Minister said the new power station, estimated to cost ₹7 crore, would have a 12.5 MVA power transformer and 4.5-km long 66 KV line. It would also include nine 11 KV feeders — six agricultural, one urban and two UPS feeders. Once operational, the substation would benefit 20 villages and improve the power supply for another 17 villages, catering to 37 villages.
He further added that the substation would 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 Nurmahal, and 66 KV Shamshabad and Shankar power stations, improving their efficiency.
ETO further reiterated the 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.
ETO said the government had undertaken extensive upgrades to power grids over the past over 2 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 had been sanctioned to revamp power systems in Jalandhar district alone.
The minister also emphasised 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, 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 criticised prior governments for closing Punjab’s Pachwara coal mine, calling the decision driven by the vested interests. The reopening of the mine has generated Rs 1,000 crore in benefits for the state.
MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann expressed gratitude to the minister for this project and noted that 37 villages would 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 to the region’s residents,” she said.
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.
