CHANDIGARH: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has established a Centre of Excellence at Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The facility, named the “POWERGRID Centre of Excellence”, has been established at an approximate cost of ₹17.19 crore. The project was implemented pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between POWERGRID and Punjab Engineering College on June 6, 2025.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening innovation, research and development in the power sector, addressing emerging technological challenges and developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving requirements of the industry.
Centre to Strengthen Research and Innovation
The establishment of the POWERGRID Centre of Excellence is expected to further strengthen the academic and research ecosystem at Punjab Engineering College by improving educational infrastructure, encouraging innovation and promoting sustainable practices.
The facility is expected to benefit students, researchers and academic communities from Chandigarh and neighbouring states and regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
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Punjab Engineering College offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several disciplines of engineering and technology, making the institution an important academic partner for developing technical capabilities and research in emerging areas.
POWERGRID Hands Over Centre to PEC
During the handing-over ceremony, Vamsi Rama Mohan Burra, Chairman and Managing Director, POWERGRID, formally handed over the POWERGRID Centre of Excellence to Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Yatindra Dwivedi, Director (Personnel), POWERGRID; Akhilesh Pathak, Director (Projects), POWERGRID; Naveen Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer, POWERGRID; and Tarun Bajaj, Executive Director, POWERGRID Northern Region-II, along with senior officials from POWERGRID and Punjab Engineering College.
The event marked a significant step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration and promoting excellence in education, research and innovation.
POWERGRID’s Northern Region-II has its regional headquarters in Jammu.
Focus on Future-Ready Workforce
Speaking on the occasion, Vamsi Rama Mohan Burra reiterated POWERGRID’s commitment to promoting excellence in education, research and innovation through impactful CSR initiatives.
He emphasised that strengthening academic and research infrastructure is essential for nurturing future talent, supporting technological advancement and creating sustainable value for society.
He further highlighted POWERGRID’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to nation-building and help develop a skilled and future-ready workforce.
PEC Welcomes POWERGRID’s Contribution
Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia expressed gratitude to POWERGRID for its contribution towards strengthening the college’s educational and research infrastructure.
He said that the Centre of Excellence would help promote innovation, advanced research, skill development and stronger industry-academia collaboration, benefiting students, faculty members and researchers.
The facility is expected to provide an institutional platform where academic expertise and industry requirements can converge to address emerging technological challenges.
POWERGRID’s Wider CSR Commitment
POWERGRID continues to undertake CSR initiatives across areas including community development, healthcare, education and infrastructure development, besides other sectors of national and social importance.
Through such initiatives, the company seeks to support inclusive and sustainable development while contributing to capacity building, technological advancement and broader nation-building efforts.
About POWERGRID
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. The company is primarily engaged in the transmission of electricity and development of power transmission infrastructure across India, along with consultancy and related services.
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