Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, said that all old electricity meters across the state will be replaced in a phased manner and modern smart meters will be installed in their place. He explained that just as mobile services offer prepaid and postpaid options, a similar system will be implemented through smart meters, allowing consumers to choose prepaid or postpaid facilities according to their convenience.
This will not only improve the power supply system but will also provide transparent and user-friendly services to consumers. Sh. Anil Vij was speaking to media representatives in Hisar today.
He said that the process of laying underground electricity cables has already begun in Gurugram and Faridabad. Depending on the situation, underground cabling will also be carried out in other areas, which will help prevent problems such as falling poles or snapping overhead wires, thereby making the electricity supply safer and more reliable.
Responding to questions regarding reforms in the Energy Department, Sh. Vij said that a strong and accountable system has been put in place, as a result of which power cuts during the summer season have largely been kept under control. He informed that all Superintending Engineers (SEs) have been instructed to submit daily reports by 11 a.m. detailing the reasons, duration, and circumstances of any power cuts in their respective areas.
He said that electricity supply has remained satisfactory across almost the entire state, and explanations have been sought from only six Superintending Engineers. Sh. Vij further said that the work of upgrading transformer capacity in line with electricity demand has already begun.
Additionally, instructions have been issued to raise low-lying substations to prevent unnecessary power outages caused by waterlogging during the monsoon season. He also shared that Haryana has received approval for coal linkage for the new thermal unit being set up at Khedar in Hisar, which is a major achievement for the state.
Regarding the modernization of Haryana Roadways, Sh. Vij said that the Transport Department is continuously undertaking reform-oriented measures. He informed that a bus tracking system is being developed to provide accurate information on bus movement for passengers.
As part of this initiative, digital display panels will be installed at all bus stands, and a mobile app is also being developed through which passengers will be able to check bus location, routes, and timings directly on their mobile phones.
He added that continuous efforts are being made to expand the bus fleet. At the same time, the government is seriously considering increasing the number of electric buses to control pollution and to avoid restrictions imposed on old diesel buses in the NCR region.
Reacting to the Union Budget, Sh. Anil Vij said that when the Centre moves forward, the country also progresses. He stated that this budget lays a strong foundation for achieving the goal of a developed India by the year 2047 and will propel the nation forward at the “speed of a bullet train.”