No bulb can light up our twin cities

They were two of the fastest growing cities in the National Capital Region. Because of their proximity to Delhi, promise of a better infrastructure and a boom in affordable housing, the satellite towns of Noida and Ghaziabad became the much sought-after living destinations for the middle class.

They were two of the fastest growing cities in the National Capital Region. Because of their proximity to Delhi, promise of a better infrastructure and a boom in affordable housing, the satellite towns of Noida and Ghaziabad became the much sought-after living destinations for the middle class.

HT Image

But over a decade later, the picture perfect image has soured.

Civic infrastructure failed to keep pace with the rapid population growth. The most appalling problem that residents in the two cities face is an acute power shortage. The spurt in population coupled with the rise in living standard has meant the demand has far out paced supply. This has led to the the “no power cut zones” of yore such as Noida transforming into a modern day power cut haven.

Erratic power supply is now impeding the region’s economic growth. In the second of the five parts, we try to look at what ails the power sector in the twin cities.