Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has established a Centre of Excellence at Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The facility, set up at an approximate cost of ₹17.19 crore, aims to promote innovation, research, skill development and technological advancement in the power sector.
The project was implemented following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between POWERGRID and PEC on June 6, 2025. The new centre is expected to strengthen the college’s academic and research infrastructure while helping students and researchers address emerging challenges in the power and technology sectors.
The Centre of Excellence will benefit students, faculty and researchers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and other regions. It is also expected to encourage industry-academia collaboration and support the development of a skilled, future-ready workforce.
During the handing-over ceremony, Shri Vamsi Rama Mohan Burra, Chairman and Managing Director, POWERGRID, formally handed over the Centre of Excellence to Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, Punjab Engineering College.
Speaking on the occasion, Burra said that strengthening academic and research infrastructure is important for developing future talent, promoting technological progress and creating sustainable value for society. He reiterated POWERGRID’s commitment to supporting education, research and innovation through meaningful CSR initiatives.
Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia thanked POWERGRID for its contribution towards improving PEC’s educational and research infrastructure. He said the Centre of Excellence would help promote advanced research, innovation, skill development and stronger links between industry and academia.
The ceremony was attended by senior POWERGRID and PEC officials, including Dr. Yatindra Dwivedi, Director (Personnel); Shri Akhilesh Pathak, Director (Projects); Shri Naveen Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer; and Shri Tarun Bajaj, Executive Director, Northern Region-II.
The initiative marks another step towards stronger collaboration between industry and educational institutions. POWERGRID said it remains committed to CSR activities in education, healthcare, community development, infrastructure and other areas of national importance.
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