Major Power Infrastructure Boost: NGC Commissions 500kV Lahore North Grid Station

ADB-funded project set to enhance electricity reliability for millions across Lahore

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s power transmission capacity received a major boost on Sunday as the National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC) commissioned the 500kV Lahore North Grid Station, one of the largest additions to Punjab’s electricity infrastructure in recent years.

The Rs. 20.7 billion project, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its Multi-Tranche Financing Facility, is aimed at strengthening grid stability and improving power reliability for millions of consumers across Lahore and surrounding regions.

The newly commissioned grid station has a transformation capacity of 3,000 MVA at the 500/220kV level and 750 MVA at the 220/132kV level. It is supported by 113 kilometres of 500kV and 45 kilometres of 220kV transmission lines, linking key grid stations and creating a more integrated and resilient transmission network.

According to NGC officials, the Lahore North Grid Station will significantly ease pressure on existing substations in Lahore, Gujranwala and adjacent areas, while improving voltage profiles and reducing transmission losses. The project is expected to benefit agricultural, commercial, industrial and domestic consumers through more stable and efficient power supply.

The grid station also plays a strategic role in facilitating power evacuation from major generation sources, including coal-fired plants established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and ensuring optimal utilisation of the ±660kV Lahore–Matiari HVDC transmission line.

Managing Director NGC, Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik, congratulated the project teams on the successful completion, praising their professionalism, technical expertise and commitment in delivering the complex infrastructure project.

The project was implemented under the leadership of Engr. Rashid A. Bhutto, Deputy Managing Director (Asset Development & Management), and Engr. Shahid Nazir, General Manager (Project Delivery) North. Key members of the project team included Engr. Asghar Mujtaba Khan, Engr. Muhammad Usman Warraich, Engr. Umar Dewan, and Engr. Farooq Jehangir.

NGC said the commissioning of the Lahore North Grid Station reflects its broader vision of developing a resilient, efficient and future-ready transmission system capable of supporting Pakistan’s long-term economic growth and energy security.