In a significant stride towards enhancing the national power infrastructure, the National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC) has officially commissioned the 500-kilovolt Lahore North Grid Station. This major transmission project is strategically designed to bolster electricity supply to Punjab's industrial core and facilitate the efficient evacuation of energy generated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Project Specifications and Strategic Importance
Constructed at a substantial cost of Rs20.7 billion, the project was financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under its Multi-Tranche Financing Facility. The newly operational grid station boasts an impressive transformation capacity of 3,000 megavolt amperes (MVA) at the 500/220kV level and an additional 750 MVA at the 220/132kV level.
Its integration into the national network is achieved through an extensive web of transmission lines, including 113 kilometres of 500kV and 45 kilometres of 220kV lines, effectively linking Lahore with the broader national transmission system. Officials highlight that this facility will play a critical role in evacuating power from major generation sources, particularly the coal-fired plants developed under CPEC.
Enhancing System Reliability and Supporting Economic Growth
During the commissioning ceremony, NGC Managing Director Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik emphasized the strategic value of the addition. He stated that the grid station is a key component of Pakistan's transmission backbone and directly supports CPEC power projects. "It will significantly improve system reliability, reduce transmission losses, and ensure stable electricity supply for millions of consumers," Malik affirmed.
The station is expected to alleviate pressure on existing substations in Lahore, Gujranwala, and adjacent regions. This will lead to improved voltage profiles, benefiting a wide spectrum of users including industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic consumers. Furthermore, the station will ensure the optimal utilization of the flagship ±660kV Lahore–Matiari High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line, a cornerstone project of Pakistan-China cooperation.
A Cornerstone for Future Energy Security
This achievement underscores NGC's vision of building a resilient and future-ready power transmission network to support Pakistan's economic ambitions. In an official statement, the company noted that by strengthening the transmission backbone in one of the country's most economically vibrant regions, the Lahore North Grid Station represents "a cornerstone in ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable development."
While Pakistan has added thousands of megawatts to its generation capacity over the past decade, largely through CPEC cooperation, officials acknowledge that strengthening transmission and distribution networks remains critical to fully harnessing the benefits of these investments. The commissioning of this grid station marks a pivotal step in bridging that gap, promising a more stable and efficient power supply to drive industrial growth and economic prosperity in Punjab.
