Ludhiana: On-duty PSPCL SDO alleges assault at Dugri grid substation

Ludhiana – A senior deputy superintendent with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has alleged that he was physically assaulted at the Dugri grid substation, a key node in the region’s electricity distribution network. The incident took place while the utility’s technical workforce was on strike, leaving the substation understaffed and forcing senior officers to manage operations with a reduced team.

The Dugri substation, situated on the outskirts of Ludhiana, steps up voltage from the high‑capacity transmission grid before feeding electricity to residential and commercial consumers across the district. PSPCL, the state’s primary electricity provider, operates a sprawling network of such installations that together ensure a continuous supply to millions of households. Maintaining these facilities requires a skilled cadre of engineers, technicians and support staff who monitor transformers, circuit breakers and control systems around the clock.

During the recent work stoppage, the regular engineers and line workers walked off the job as part of a coordinated strike. With the technical workforce absent, the substation was left in the hands of a handful of senior officers, including the on‑duty SDO. Those officers were compelled to assume responsibilities that normally fall to a larger technical team, such as checking relay settings, overseeing load balancing and responding to any emergent faults.

The SDO, who was on duty at the time, said he was attacked while supervising the substation’s operations. He reported the incident to his senior management, alleging that the assault occurred during a moment when he was interacting with a colleague or a visitor near the control panel. The exact nature of the confrontation remains unclear, but the allegation has been documented in an internal report.

Grid substations are critical points in the power chain, handling high voltage and requiring constant vigilance. When staffing levels drop, the risk of operational errors or safety incidents can rise. The strike’s impact on the Dugri facility illustrates how labor actions can affect not only productivity but also the reliability of electricity delivery to nearby neighborhoods.

PSPCL oversees a vast network of transmission lines, distribution feeders and substations throughout Punjab, making the smooth functioning of each site essential for uninterrupted service. The recent incident at Dugri adds to a series of concerns that the utility has raised about the ability of its workforce to maintain safety standards during industrial action.

The allegation, though still under review, underscores the need for dialogue between PSPCL management and the striking employees to address grievances while safeguarding critical infrastructure. Authorities have not yet released further details, but the episode highlights the challenges of balancing collective bargaining rights with the imperative to keep the lights on.

The Dugri grid substation is one of several critical facilities that keep the regional power grid stable, and any disruption can ripple through the supply chain. PSPCL has a track record of navigating labor disputes, yet each event tests the resilience of its operational framework and the ability of senior staff to maintain service continuity.

Source: Hindustan Times