LAHORE: The 500kV Lahore north grid station was commissioned here on Monday by the National Grid Company (NGC) - formerly the National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC), achieving a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector development.

With an investment of Rs20.7 billion, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under Multi Tranche Financing Facility, the project is considered as one of the most substantial additions to Punjab’s power transmission infrastructure in recent years. The newly operational grid station is equipped with transformation capacity of 3,000 MVA at 500/220kV level and 750 MVA at the 220/132kV level. It includes 113 km of 500kV and 45 km of 220kV transmission lines, connecting critical grid stations and creating an integrated network.

The commissioning of Lahore north grid station will directly address the electricity requirements of diverse consumer segments across the region, benefiting agricultural, commercial, industrial and domestic consumers. The project delivers multiple strategic advantages to power sector by facilitating efficient power evacuation from major generation sources including coal-fired power plants under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, ensuring optimal utilisation of ±660kV Lahore-Matiari (High Voltage Direct Current) Transmission Line. It will also reduce the burden on existing substations in Lahore, Gujranwala and surrounding areas. The voltage profile improvements will translate into more efficient power delivery and reduced losses, benefiting end consumers through improved service quality.

“This all happened due to the collective efforts, professionalism and dedication of all officers, engineers and staff involved in the successful execution of this project,” said NGC Managing Director Altaf Hussain Malik while speaking to officers after energizing the grid station.

ADB-funded project to improve power supply for Lesco, reduce line losses

He said the project completion and commissioning underscored the company’s vision of building a resilient, efficient and future-ready power transmission network capable of supporting the country’s economic aspirations. “By strengthening the transmission backbone serving one of the country’s most economically vibrant regions, Lahore north grid station represents a cornerstone in ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development,” he said.

The project along with associated transmission lines will meet the growing power requirements of Lahore and for improvement in power supply system to the surrounding areas under the jurisdiction of Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco). The inter-alia benefits associated with the project primarily include improvement in power supply system to Lesco area, improvement in voltage profile around the proposed Lahore north substation, especially in the 132 kV network of Lesco, reduction in the loading of 500/220 kV and 220/132 kV T/Fs at Lahore (Sehikhupura), Gujranwala & Lahore South substations and improvement in reliability of NTDC and Lesco system networks.The project was earlier delayed due to land acquisition, litigation and other technical and administrative issues. It was scheduled to be completed in 2023 summer, but it couldn’t due to these issues. However, the NGC board took serious notice of the delay, resolving most of the issues.

CRACKDOWN: Lahore Commissioner Marryam Khan on Monday sought launching a crackdown on those flouting one-dish law during wedding ceremonies in Lahore and the districts of Kasur, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib.

“The assistant commissioners should personally visit the field at night and check the marriage halls. There should be zero tolerance on one-dish violations,” she said while presiding over a meeting.

She also directed the district administrations and Suthra Punjab Authority DG to ensure cleanliness and sanitation at all petrol pumps and public washrooms. She said the temporary collection points must be clarified and the de-silting operation should be completed in a smooth manner.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025