The History of Electrification in India

Look around you—lights, fans, air-conditioners, washing machines, fridges, and even reading devices all run on electricity. Imagine life without electricity! It would be dark, slow, and very different from the world we know today.

Early Beginnings of Electricity in India

Electricity first came to India in the late 19th century. In 1879, the city of Darjeeling got electric lights for the first time. Soon after, in 1882, Bombay (now Mumbai) became the first Indian city to have a public electricity supply, with electric street lights lighting up the city.

At this time, electricity was mostly used by wealthy households, government offices, and industries. Ordinary people in villages and small towns still relied on kerosene lamps, oil lamps, and candles for lighting.

Growth and Expansion

By the early 20th century, electricity started spreading to industries, railway stations, and factories. Cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune began to enjoy electric trams, mills, and street lighting. Electricity made industries faster and homes brighter, helping India grow economically.

In the post-independence era, the Indian government worked to electrify villages and towns. Large projects, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam and hydroelectric power plants, were built to produce more electricity and supply it to rural areas. Slowly, electricity became part of everyday life, from homes and schools to hospitals and offices.

Electricity and Modern India

Today, electricity powers almost everything we use: computers, mobile phones, TVs, fans, air conditioners, water pumps, and more. It helps children study after sunset, enables doctors to perform surgeries, and allows farmers to irrigate fields efficiently. Modern industries, factories, and businesses all rely on reliable electricity to grow and succeed.

Without electricity, modern India would not have schools, hospitals, trains, or technology-driven industries. It has truly changed the way people live, learn, and work.

Fun Facts for Kids

• The first electric train in India ran between Mumbai and Thane in 1925.

• India now generates electricity from hydroelectric, thermal, solar, and wind energy.

• Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)—a unit that shows how much energy we use.