Ludhiana, March 15 -- Even as electricity demand continues to surge in Punjab's industrial capital, the power distribution network in Ludhiana is operating with a massive manpower deficit, with several key field posts lying vacant in the central zone of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).

Data indicate that the shortage is most severe in the assistant lineman (ALM) cadre, the frontline workforce responsible for repairing faults, maintaining distribution lines and restoring electricity supply during outages. Against 3,089 sanctioned ALM posts in the central zone, only 899 are currently filled, leaving 2,190 positions vacant. The numbers indicate that nearly 70% of the sanctioned field workforce is missing, leaving existing sta...