Electricity Revolution in Bastar: Light Reaches Every Village in 25 Years

Illuminating Even the Most Remote Rural Areas

Raipur, Nov 2025 : The sacred land of Bastar is no longer known only for its forests and tribal culture — electricity has now reached every village. Over the past 25 years, the Jagdalpur Rural Division has made remarkable strides in electrification, a transformation that can only be described as a revolution. In 2000, electrifying even a single village was a major challenge; but by 2025, every hamlet and every household is glowing with electricity. Today, electrification in Bastar district stands at 100 percent, an extraordinary achievement for this tribal-dominated region. The spread of power supply across villages has made life easier for the people. Farmers now benefit greatly from better irrigation facilities as well.

Light Reaches the Most Remote Areas

Executive Engineer of the Jagdalpur Rural Division, Mr. P.K. Agrawani, stated that all 578 villages—including 577 rural villages and one village within the city area—are now fully electrified. The number of hamlets (majra-tolas) in Bastar has increased from 3,989 at the time of state formation to 5,107 today, and every single one is now connected with power lines.

This transformation is not just a story of wires and poles; it reflects a long-term, welfare-driven infrastructure revolution. The number of 33/11 kV substations has increased from just six to 27, and their capacity has risen from 24 MVA to 138.70 MVA. The network of 11 kV lines has expanded from 1,390 kilometres to 4,850 kilometres, while low-voltage lines have increased from 2,257 kilometres to 6,017 kilometres.

Challenges on the Journey

The journey was not without setbacks. In Jharaa Valley, Maoist insurgents once toppled an electricity tower, causing over 20 days of blackout in more than half of the Bastar region. Another blackout occurred later. Recognising the vulnerability of the grid, the government built a 400 kV substation at Parchanpal, near Bastar, at a cost of ₹450 crore. This major installation has strengthened the regional grid, ensuring stability and high-quality power supply.

Additionally, a 132 kV substation has been set up, and 132 kV transmission lines have expanded from 180 kilometres to 254 kilometres. Along with these high-voltage installations, new transformer capacities have been added — two 315 MVA, two 160 MVA, and five 40 MVA units — significantly reducing voltage drops and improving electricity quality.

Moreover, key infrastructure at the 220 kV and 33 kV levels has been completed, ensuring uninterrupted and high-quality power even in remote areas.

Massive Rise in Consumers

Behind these numbers lies a dramatic rise in the number of consumers.

• In 2000, there were only 5,380 electricity consumers.
• Today, over 2,19,450 households have electricity meters.
• Domestic consumers have increased from 59,000 to 1,68,000.
• The number of agricultural pump users has risen from 900 to 9,083.
• The count of BPL (Below Poverty Line) consumers has grown from 30,000 to 1,14,000.

According to Executive Engineer Mr. Pradeep Agrawani, this remarkable transformation is the result of central schemes such as the Saubhagya Yojana and the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, along with the Chief Minister Mazra-Tola Electrification Scheme. Bastar no longer fears shortages of electricity—neither industries nor irrigation will halt due to lack of power, and villages will no longer remain dark.

A Model of Self-Reliant Development

This electrification revolution is not only making Bastar self-reliant but is also setting an example for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. In the coming years, with an increased focus on renewable energy, this light is set to shine even brighter and reach even farther. Bastar is no longer synonymous with darkness—it has become a new beacon of illumination.