Ambala Cantonment gets major power distribution upgrade under RDSS

Haryana’s Energy Minister Anil Vij has inaugurated a major electricity distribution upgrade project in Ambala Cantonment, stating that it will significantly strengthen the city’s network. The initiative is funded under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with an estimated cost of Rs 38 crore.

Speaking to residents in Kabari Bazaar, the minister said the project represents a clear increase in planned investments for the region compared with earlier administrations, which he claimed had invested little in Ambala Cantonment. He said modernising the electricity network is important for supporting local business and economic activity, with the project targeted for completion within one year.

Under the technical plan, seven new feeders will be developed to improve voltage stability and load management. A total of 127 new transformers will be added to tackle voltage fluctuation, while transformers placed along roads will be shifted to safer locations. The plan also includes a new substation near Shahpur-Machhaunda to serve areas across the railway line and a new service centre in Garnala village.

Connectivity improvements have extended supply from the Ambala Cantonment substation to villages from Panjokhra Sahib to Baldev Nagar, reducing their reliance on Ambala city’s grid. A new service centre is also planned in the industrial area. The minister expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure and public development initiatives would support faster growth.

This project is part of the RDSS, which aims to improve power supply reliability and financial performance of distribution utilities. According to data presented in Parliament, Haryana has projects worth Rs 6,794 crore sanctioned under RDSS, entirely focused on loss reduction works, with no smart metering projects sanctioned under the scheme for the state. Physical progress of loss reduction works in Haryana is reported at 14 per cent, while the state’s Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss has declined from 17.46 per cent in FY2020-21 to 10.49 per cent in FY2024-25, and the Average Cost of Supply and Average Revenue Realised (ACS-ARR) gap stands at Rs 0.07 per kWh.

The featured photograph is for representation only.