In a significant move to transform the electricity landscape of the region, Haryana's Energy Minister, Anil Vij, inaugurated a major power infrastructure upgrade project in Ambala Cantonment on Thursday. The minister heralded the initiative as the beginning of a "power revolution" for the city, aimed at bolstering economic growth and ending long-standing issues of voltage instability.
Massive Investment for Modern Infrastructure
Addressing a gathering at Kabari Bazaar after launching the project, Minister Vij highlighted the scale of the investment. He stated that while previous governments had allegedly not invested even "38 paise" in Ambala Cantonment, the current administration is now overseeing development works worth crores of rupees. The specific project launched falls under the central government's Distribution Sector Improvement Scheme and involves a substantial investment of ₹38 crore solely to strengthen the electricity distribution system in the cantonment area.
Vij emphasized that the modernization of the entire city's power infrastructure is crucial for allowing business activities to flourish and accelerating overall economic growth. He expressed confidence that with public cooperation, the city would progress rapidly. The minister set an ambitious target for the project's completion, informing citizens that the work is expected to be finished within one year.
Detailed Scope of the Upgrade Project
The comprehensive project outlines several key interventions to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. The core components include:
- Construction of seven new feeders at a cost of ₹38 crore to achieve better load balancing and maintain stable voltage across the city.
- Installation of 127 new transformers to directly tackle the persistent problem of voltage fluctuations that residents have faced.
- Relocation of several old transformers currently positioned on roadsides and pathways to safer, more secure locations.
Extended Benefits for Surrounding Areas
The minister also announced plans that extend the project's benefits beyond the immediate cantonment. A new substation will be set up near Shahpur-Machhaunda, which is expected to significantly benefit residents living across the railway line. In a move to decentralize services, a new service centre has already been established in village Garnala.
Furthermore, villages spanning from Panjokhra Sahib to Baldev Nagar, which were previously dependent on the Ambala city power network, have now been connected to the Ambala Cantonment substation. Looking ahead, plans are also in the pipeline to establish a new service centre in the local industrial area, catering specifically to the needs of businesses and industries.
Minister Vij's announcement underscores a focused effort to address critical infrastructure gaps in Ambala Cantonment. The ₹38 crore project represents a substantial commitment to not only improving daily life for residents by providing stable electricity but also creating an enabling environment for commercial and industrial prosperity in the region.
