The Punjab Government has initiated a historic undertaking for power transmission and distribution works under the ‘Roshan Punjab’ Mission, with an investment of ₹5,000 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project in Jalandhar, heralding a new revolution in Punjab’s electricity infrastructure. Thousands of people attended the historic event, and the announcement was welcomed across the state. This initiative is a crucial part of the AAP government’s welfare policies, reflecting its commitment to ensuring a better life for every citizen of the state. Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, officials from the Punjab Power Corporation, and local representatives also participated in the grand ceremony.
This investment is set to make history as the largest power project ever in the state, making Punjab self-reliant and empowered in the energy sector. The new project is launched with the clear objective of providing uninterrupted, affordable, and safe electricity 24 hours a day to every home, farm, and industry in Punjab. For several decades, Punjab’s power system had been dilapidated, and power cuts were a common problem across the state due to outdated equipment, weak transmission lines, and inadequate substations. With this scheme, Punjab will be completely free from decades-old problems like power cuts and voltage fluctuations. Both farmers and industrialists will receive long-term and sustainable benefits from this scheme, injecting new life into the state’s economy.
In his emotional address, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clearly stated – “Now, no factory in Punjab will shut down due to lack of electricity, no farmer will be troubled in the dark fields, and no child will be deprived of education because of a power outage.” He emphasized that this scheme is not merely a government project but a means to realize the dreams of the people of Punjab. Comprehensive repair of power lines, upgrading old and dilapidated substations with state-of-the-art technology, and laying new transmission and distribution lines in rural and urban areas have been accorded the highest priority. This will not only multiply the reliability of power supply but also reduce technical faults and maintenance, thereby decreasing the long-term burden on the state exchequer.
Special and serious attention has been given to public safety in this mission, as many accidents occurred in previous years due to poor electrical infrastructure. Dangerously dangling cables in urban areas are being systematically removed, open and unsafe meter boxes are being replaced with modern, weather-resistant boxes, and the 1912 helpline has been fully modernized and digitized for faster grievance redressal, online tracking, and real-time updates. Through this helpline, consumers can now register their complaints instantly, and their resolution will occur within a defined time frame. This will make life safer, more convenient, and more comfortable in both urban and rural areas, strengthening the common citizen’s trust in the government system.
Under the direct supervision and technical guidance of the Punjab Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), the grid is being strengthened with state-of-the-art technology in 13 major cities, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Mansa, Sangrur, Moga, Hoshiarpur, and Pathankot. Modern amenities such as smart metering systems, automated fault detection, and remote monitoring are being installed in these cities. This will effectively curb power theft, improve revenue collection, and bring about an unprecedented increase in the quality of consumer services. This will also have a major and positive impact on Punjab’s rapidly growing industrialization and investment climate. When stable and affordable power supply is ensured, domestic and foreign investors will be attracted to set up industries in Punjab, creating thousands of new employment opportunities and securing a better future for the state’s youth.
The ‘Roshan Punjab’ Mission is not just a technical improvement project; it is also a powerful symbol of positive social change and economic prosperity. With foresight, the government has entered into long-term agreements with Coal India and other suppliers to ensure a long-term coal supply, which will significantly reduce the cost of electricity generation in thermal power plants and make the state self-reliant and secure in energy production. This will not only reduce the agricultural costs for farmers—such as for running tubewells, irrigation, and crop processing—but also provide electricity at subsidized rates to small industries and businesses. This direct relief will benefit the state’s economy, keep inflation controlled, and reduce the burden on the common man’s pocket. This scheme will strengthen the rural economy and play a significant role in bridging the gap between urban and rural development.
For the first time in the history of Punjab, a government has taken such concrete, practical, and bold steps to reform the power system from the grassroots to the policy level, based on public demand, suggestions, and ground realities. The government has understood the problems by engaging in direct dialogue with Gram Panchayats, Municipalities, industry associations, and farmer organizations and has formulated the plan accordingly. An initiative has been launched to provide transparent, accountable, and convenient service to every consumer—this includes online bill payment, registering complaints through a mobile app, a single-window system for electricity connections, and timely maintenance. This clearly reflects the transparency, efficiency, and strong commitment of the government’s approach towards the public. This model will also set an example for other states.
Under the new system, transmission and distribution lines will be installed at a safe height and on strong poles according to international standards, which will significantly reduce electricity-related accidents and human loss during rain, storms, and other natural disasters. Previously, incidents of people being electrocuted by open wires and fallen lines were often heard, but now this problem will be eradicated at the root. Now, electricity meter boxes will also be made of high-quality, weather-resistant, and tamper-proof material, which will prevent meter failure and ensure transparency in billing. This will increase supply reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and prolong the lifespan of the equipment. All these technical improvements will keep Punjab’s power system strong and effective for many decades to come.
This ‘Roshan Punjab’ Mission lays a new and strong foundation for the overall development of Punjab—it is not merely a technical project for power reform but a firm guarantee for a bright, prosperous, and secure future for the youth, farmers, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and common families of Punjab. In this proud, historic moment, the visionary leadership of the Punjab Government stands firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with its people for real, tangible change on the ground. This scheme is a gift to the coming generations, which will prove to be a milestone in bringing Punjab into the category of the most developed and prosperous states in the country. With this project, Punjab is entering a new era where every home will be illuminated, every field will be green, and every industry will flourish.
