Roshan Punjab Project: ₹5,000 Crore to Strengthen Power Infrastructure
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the ‘Roshan Punjab Project’ in Jalandhar on Wednesday (October 8). The AAP government has begun a ₹5,000 crore initiative to modernize the state’s power transmission and distribution network. Kejriwal announced that Punjab will become a “No Power-Cut State” by next year, ensuring 24-hour free and uninterrupted electricity for citizens.
Major Power Infrastructure Overhaul
Under this project, the Punjab government will:
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Lay 25,000 km of new power cables
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Install 8,000 new transformers
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Build 77 new substations
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Overhaul 200 existing substations
Once completed, the entire system will be controlled centrally through an advanced SCADA monitoring system, eliminating the need for manual field supervision. Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab’s power infrastructure—neglected for over 75 years—is being completely rebuilt to deliver 24-hour electricity across the state.
From Delhi to Punjab: AAP’s 24-Hour Power Model
Kejriwal stated that AAP is the only government in India to provide free and round-the-clock electricity to its citizens. After achieving this in Delhi, the same model is now being implemented in Punjab.
Currently, 90% of households in Punjab receive 600 units of free electricity every two months. Farmers, who previously received power at odd hours, now enjoy 8 hours of daytime electricity. Punjab’s industries also benefit from one of the cheapest power rates in the country.
A Modern, Efficient Power System
Kejriwal noted that previous governments failed to maintain Punjab’s power grid, resulting in burnt transformers and damaged wires. The Roshan Punjab Project aims to completely modernize the system to handle growing power demand efficiently.
He added, “No other party even thought of providing 24-hour electricity. With AAP, Punjab will shine bright with uninterrupted power by next summer.”
Support for Flood Victims and Families
Kejriwal also spoke about the devastating floods in Punjab that destroyed 3,500 schools, 1,500 mohalla clinics, homes, and farmlands, claiming around 60 lives.
He appreciated Dr. Ashok Mittal, AAP MP and LPU founder, for offering jobs to family members of 35 flood victims at Lovely Professional University, calling it a model of social responsibility.
Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Becoming a Model for India
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann praised Kejriwal’s visionary approach, saying it has forced traditional parties to focus on real issues like education, healthcare, and power.
He highlighted the reopening of the Pachhwara coal mine and the government’s acquisition of GVK’s Goindwal Power Plant, now renamed after Guru Amar Das Ji — marking the first time a government has purchased a private power plant in India.
Education, Healthcare, and Employment Reforms
Mann also shared the AAP government’s achievements:
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Over 55,000 government jobs given to youth
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Establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics providing free medicines to 1.75 crore citizens
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Launch of School of Eminence program, with 265 students qualifying JEE Mains and 848 clearing NEET
He added that the government is determined to eliminate drug abuse and unemployment while making Punjab a bright, corruption-free, and progressive state.