MPPTCL’s 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) substation completes 60 years of service
- September 1, 2026
In the 1960s, a 10-MVA power transformer weighing 25 tonnes, manufactured by Hitachi, was transported by sea from Japan to Mumbai (then Bombay), completing its onward jourey to Indore in Madhya Pradesh by road. This is among the memorable aspects of the 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) substation of Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL), which has now completed 60 years of service.
Long before Indore emerged as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh and one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities, a key milestone in the region’s power infrastructure was established with the commissioning of the 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) extra high tension (EHT) substation on August 30, 1966.
As the substation completes 60 years of uninterrupted service, it remains a symbol of the evolution of power transmission in the Malwa region and a silent contributor to Indore’s industrial, commercial and urban expansion.
Commissioned during a period when Indore was known primarily as the “Manchester of India” for its thriving textile industry, the substation played a crucial role in ensuring reliable electricity supply to textile mills, industrial units and residential areas. Over the decades, as the city diversified into manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, education, healthcare and services, the substation continued to support the growing demand for quality power.
Among the oldest EHT substations in Madhya Pradesh, the 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) installation is regarded as the second oldest EHT substation in the Malwa region and the fifth oldest in the state. What began with a single 10 MVA power transformer and two outgoing 33kV feeders has today evolved into a modern transmission hub equipped with three power transformers having a combined transformation capacity of 176 MVA and 16 operational 33kV feeders catering to multiple load centres across Indore.
The substation derives its name from the Chambal River, as electricity supplied during its formative years originated from the Gandhi Sagar hydropower project. Similar naming conventions were adopted for early 132kV substations established in Ujjain and Bhopal, which also received power generated from the Chambal basin.
Continuous modernization
The substation has continuously adapted to changing technological and operational requirements. Over the years, conventional electromechanical protection systems have been replaced with modern numerical relays, advanced control and monitoring systems, digital metering and upgraded communication facilities. These improvements have enhanced grid reliability, fault detection capability and operational efficiency.
In recent years, MP Transco has undertaken works such as conversion of crossing 33kV overhead feeder networks within the premises into underground cable systems, reducing operational risks and improving safety standards. Modern condition-monitoring practices, thermovision scanning, predictive maintenance techniques and periodic testing of equipment have further contributed to the long-term health of the installation.
The substation is also integrated with the state’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) framework, enabling real-time monitoring and faster operational response during contingencies.
A historic journey
One of the most remarkable aspects of the substation’s history is the installation of its first 10 MVA power transformer manufactured by Hitachi, Japan. Weighing nearly 25 tonnes, the transformer was transported by sea to Bombay (now Mumbai) and subsequently moved by road to Indore. Ordered following project approval in 1962, it became the foundation of Indore’s extra-high-voltage transmission network when the substation was energized on August 30, 1966.
Supporting the evolving city
When the substation commenced operations, Indore’s power demand was a fraction of current levels. Today, the city is among the largest power-consuming urban centres in Madhya Pradesh, with rapidly growing residential townships, industrial clusters, commercial complexes, metro rail infrastructure and data-intensive service sectors.
Throughout this transformation, the Polo Ground (Chambal) Substation has remained a critical node in the transmission network serving the city.
Chambal Substation not only reflects the history of power transmission in Madhya Pradesh but also mirrors the remarkable growth story of Indore and the Malwa region. As the city moves toward a future driven by smart infrastructure, electric mobility and sustainable development, this historic substation continues to remain a dependable pillar of the region’s power network.
Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar observed that the 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) substation has been an integral part of Indore’s development journey and has provided the energy backbone required for industrial growth, economic activity and urban expansion. He acknowledged the contribution of several generations of engineers, technicians and employees that has enabled the substation to reliably serve the people of Madhya Pradesh for six decades.
Featured photograph shows MPPTCL’s 132kV Polo Ground (Chambal) substation (present-day)