MP: Scindia inaugurates two power substations in Ashoknagar
Gwalior, July 18
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday inaugurated two 33/11 kV electricity substations in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district, with the projects expected to improve power supply in 12 villages of the Chanderi Assembly constituency.
Built at a combined cost of about Rs 4.40 crore, the substations at Pathkheda and Madi‑Mahidpur are expected to benefit around 15,000 people by improving voltage levels and reducing frequent power disruptions, according to officials.
Addressing separate public meetings after the inauguration, Scindia said the Centre and the State Government were focusing on strengthening basic infrastructure in rural areas to support agriculture and improve public services.
He remarked that the prosperity of farmers was his biggest priority, adding: "Wherever I may be in the country, the flag of Ashoknagar will always be with me."
The Union Minister said the Pathkheda substation was completed within four months of the laying of the foundation stone, adding that faster execution of infrastructure projects was necessary to meet the growing demand for electricity in rural areas.
Scindia also said the newly inaugurated facilities would help improve electricity supply for irrigation and domestic consumers and urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices.
Calling the projects important for the region, he said this was not merely the inauguration of a power substation but the beginning of a new chapter of prosperity for farmers.
Referring to other infrastructure works, Scindia said the ongoing Rs 550‑crore Chanderi Micro Irrigation Project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to around 28,000 hectares of agricultural land across 121 villages.
He further shared that the new substations were commissioned as part of efforts to strengthen the electricity distribution network in rural areas, where power demand has increased because of agricultural and domestic consumption.
Public representatives and officials of the State power distribution company attended the inauguration.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see infrastructure reaching villages. But I'm curious: why does a Union Minister need to inaugurate a Rs 4.40 crore substation? Shouldn't state PSUs handle this? Anyway, the Chanderi Micro Irrigation Project at Rs 550 crore sounds ambitious – 28,000 hectares is huge! Let's hope farmers actually benefit and not just contractors. Scindia ji's comments about natural farming are nice, but most small farmers can't afford the transition without subsidies. Just saying.
As someone from a nearby district, I can tell you power cuts in rural MP are a nightmare. 😤 15,000 people benefiting is no small thing. Scindia ji is right – better voltage means less damage to motors and appliances. The fact that Pathkheda substation was completed in 4 months is impressive for government work. But 12 villages out of hundreds? We need a grid overhaul, not just patches. Still, good start. Let's see if the free electricity promise for farmers becomes real.
Reading this from Bangalore where we still have power cuts. 😅 Good for Ashoknagar! The focus on irrigation infrastructure makes sense for an agrarian economy. But I wonder about the quality of construction. Will these substations survive the monsoon? Also, Scindia's "prosperity for farmers" rhetoric needs to be backed by actual last-mile connectivity – many villages still have single-phase lines when they need three-phase for pumps.
Great that someone is caring about rural MP. My uncle in Chanderi still uses a diesel generator during peak hours. These substations might help. But I have to ask – why is a Union Communications Minister inaugurating power substations? Isn't this state government work? Anyway, the money is spent. Let's just hope the electricity board maintains them properly. Also, natural farming advised by Scindia ji sounds idealistic – chemical fertilizers are cheaper and easier for
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.