Rapid execution under CM’s Power Infrastructure Scheme strengthens dual power supply, reduces outages in Ambagarh Chowki and adjoining villages
Published on: May 15, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Mohla/Ambagarh Chowki, India
In a significant move towards ensuring reliable and high-quality electricity supply in rural Chhattisgarh, a new 33kV power line spanning 29 kilometers from Etkankhar to Ambagarh Chowki via Kaudikasa was officially energized on Tuesday. Built at a cost of ₹2.08 crore under the Chief Minister’s Power Infrastructure Development Scheme, the project is set to benefit approximately 25,000 consumers in the areas of Ambagarh Chowki, Bandhabazar, Amatola, and Chilhhati.
The new line was inaugurated by Shri Shirish Selat, Executive Director of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), Rajnandgaon Region, at the Etkankhar 132kV high-voltage substation. Present at the ceremony were senior officials including Superintending Engineer Shri Shankeshwar Kanwar, Executive Engineer Shri Mukesh Kumar Sahu, Assistant Engineers Shri Anil Kumar Ramteke, Shri Shirish Milind, and Shri Bharatri Kurre among others.
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Addressing long-standing voltage and outage issues
Previously, the 33/11kV Ambagarh Chowki substation relied on a single transmission path from Etkankhar via Mohla and Kaudikasa. Any disruption on this route, especially due to the added load from the Vasdi substation, would also impact power supply to Ambagarh Chowki. To mitigate this vulnerability, the newly constructed 33kV line directly connects Etkankhar to Kaudikasa and onwards to Ambagarh Chowki, thus enabling dual-source power supply — significantly reducing the chances of simultaneous outages.
This enhancement now means that electricity supply to Ambagarh Chowki and surrounding villages can be ensured both from the Etkankhar 132/33kV substation and the Amlidih Dongargaon 132/33kV high-voltage substation, further reinforcing grid reliability.
Completion ahead of schedule
Impressively, the entire project — from tender to energization — was completed in a record time of just 2.5 months, well before its scheduled deadline of December 5, 2025. Recognizing the pressing issue of frequent overloads and voltage drops, Executive Director Shri Shirish Selat expedited the process by instructing Executive Engineer Projects Shri Mukesh Sahu and the concerned contractor to fast-track the implementation.
Following this directive, the tender was floated and awarded within 10 days. Additionally, clearance for tree cutting along the route was swiftly obtained with compensation paid to the Forest Department, allowing full line clearance within a month — a rare feat in infrastructure projects of this scale.
Relief for rural power consumers
This new infrastructure not only improves reliability but also addresses persistent voltage fluctuation and power interruption issues that plagued the region. With the enhanced dual-feed system now operational, residents of Bandhabazar, Ambagarh Chowki, Amatola, and Chilhhati will experience more consistent electricity, supporting both domestic and small-scale commercial activities.
The project showcases the state government’s commitment to rural electrification and infrastructure improvement, especially under the guidance of Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister. Officials stated that similar infrastructure initiatives are being planned across other remote regions to ensure equitable power distribution.
