Phagwara (Kapurthala), October 8, 2025
In a landmark move to revolutionize Punjab’s power sector, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launched the Roshan Punjab project, a ₹5,000 crore initiative to make Punjab the first power-cut-free state in India. The foundation stone for this ambitious project was laid today, marking a new era in the state’s energy landscape.
Key Highlights
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Objective: Ensure uninterrupted 24-hour power supply across Punjab by next summer.
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Investment: Over ₹5,000 crore to overhaul the power transmission and distribution network.
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Leadership: Spearheaded by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal.
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Vision: Transform Punjab into a beacon for other states, eliminating all forms of “darkness” (power outages and inefficiencies).
Launch Event
Addressing the gathering in Phagwara, Arvind Kejriwal hailed the project as unprecedented, noting that neither the central government nor any state had envisioned such an initiative. He emphasized Punjab’s resilience in overcoming recent devastating floods and highlighted the state’s achievements in the power sector:
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Industry: Punjab offers electricity to industries at the fourth-lowest rates in India.
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Agriculture: Farmers receive uninterrupted power supply.
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Households: 90% of households now receive zero electricity bills due to the 600-unit free power scheme.
watch……Unlocking Economic Potential: Punjab’s Infrastructure Mission
Kejriwal announced that the Roshan Punjab project will upgrade the state’s aging power infrastructure, including:
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Construction of new substations and power lines.
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Reduction of load on feeders.
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Modernization of transmission and distribution systems to eliminate voltage fluctuations, especially in rural and remote areas.
He also highlighted urban-focused initiatives:
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A special project to upgrade Low Tension (LT) networks in 13 municipal corporations.
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Removal of redundant wires, elevation of sagging cables, replacement of old wires, and sealing of open meter boxes to enhance public safety.
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A pilot project in Ludhiana’s western sub-division proved successful, and the initiative is now expanding to 87 sub-divisions, with completion expected by June 2026.
Kejriwal added that a call center in Mohali with a helpline (1912) and 180 staff members operates 24/7 to address consumer grievances. He also celebrated the historic acquisition of a private power plant, renamed after Sri Guru Amardas Ji, marking a reversal of the trend where governments sell assets to private entities.
Chief Minister’s Address
Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the power sector is the lifeline of Punjab’s economy. He credited Kejriwal’s visionary leadership for shifting political priorities toward education, health, and electricity, areas previously neglected by traditional parties. Key achievements include:
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Power Sector: Restarting coal supply from the Pachwara coal mine (closed since 2015), ensuring surplus coal for Punjab’s power plants.
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Historic Acquisition: The purchase of the Goindwal Power Plant from GVK Power, now named after Sri Guru Amardas Ji, providing significant economic relief.
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Infrastructure Upgrades: Ensuring seamless power supply for domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
Mann highlighted broader governance achievements:
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Employment: Over 55,000 government jobs provided to youth based on merit and transparency.
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Education: Establishment of Schools of Eminence, with 265 students qualifying for JEE Mains, 44 clearing JEE Advanced, and 848 passing NEET.
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Healthcare: 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics opened, serving 1.75 crore people with free medicines, with plans to exceed 1,000 clinics soon.
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Anti-Drug Campaign: A strategic plan to eradicate the drug menace, with a relentless crackdown underway.
Mann criticized past Congress and Akali-BJP governments for neglecting the power sector and fostering drug mafias. He vowed to hold accountable those who misused power to exploit citizens, ensuring Punjab emerges as a “beacon of light” for the nation.
Commitment to a Brighter Future
Both leaders reiterated Punjab’s goal to lead by example, with Mann stating, “Punjab will light the way for other states.” The Roshan Punjab project is set to eliminate power outages, modernize infrastructure, and ensure reliable, affordable electricity for all. The government remains committed to rooting out inefficiencies and creating a prosperous, power-cut-free Punjab.
Attendees
The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, and other dignitaries.
