Ludhiana: Severe storms have inflicted damage exceeding ₹2 crore on Punjab's power grid, toppling high-voltage transmission towers and leaving thousands of residents without electricity throughout the weekend. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) reported extensive destruction to critical infrastructure, including 71 transformers and 200 electricity poles.
Impact on Ludhiana's Power Supply
The Lalton power grid, a primary hub for the Ludhiana district, suffered the brunt of the weather, disrupting supply to areas such as Pakhowal Road, Dehlon, and Gill. To maintain essential services, engineers rerouted power through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) station in Jamalpur. The outage left households without running water or cooling systems as temperatures remained high.
Restoration Efforts
“Our first priority was restoring a smooth supply, which required an immense effort given Sunday’s conditions,” said Jagdev Singh Hans, PSPCL chief engineer for Ludhiana. “Crews worked from dawn until late on Sunday night and returned on Monday morning to finalise repairs.” Hans confirmed that a formal report on the destruction—which included a 220 KV tower and extensive wiring systems—will be submitted to state authorities for emergency funding.
Broader Context
The storms have highlighted vulnerabilities in the region's power infrastructure, prompting calls for enhanced resilience measures. PSPCL officials are assessing the full extent of the damage and prioritizing restoration to affected communities.
