The Forgotten Legacy: Sukkur’s First Power House – A Beacon of Early Electrification in Sindh – Sukkur Heritage Network

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Introduction to Sukkur’s Pioneering Power House

This was the first beacon of electricity in Sukkur the 1922 power house built by the municipality under Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh. Though time has worn its walls and WAPDA’s customer center now occupies part of it, the building still stands quietly behind the Revenue Office, a silent witness to the city’s progress. But as with many public assets in Sukkur, one fears that someday this historic structure may vanish beneath the shadow of a towering private complex.

In the heart of Sindh, Pakistan, lies Sukkur, a city renowned for its rich historical tapestry woven along the banks of the mighty Indus River. Among its many overlooked gems is the building of the first power house, constructed by the Sukkur Municipality around 1922. This structure marked a pivotal moment in the region’s modernization, introducing electricity supply to the city and transforming daily life for its residents. As we delve into the history of this landmark, we’ll explore its construction, significance, current dilapidated state, and the urgent need for preservation. This article aims to shed light on Sukkur’s electricity history, highlighting how such historical buildings in Pakistan contribute to our understanding of colonial-era development and urban progress.

Sukkur, often called the “Gateway of Sindh,” has long been a hub of trade, culture, and innovation. The introduction of electricity in the early 20th century was not just a technological advancement but a symbol of progress under British colonial rule. The first power house, built during a time when global electrification was gaining momentum, played a crucial role in powering homes, streets, and emerging industries. Today, amid rapid urbanization, this building stands as a testament to Sukkur’s heritage, yet it faces threats from neglect and potential encroachment. By targeting keywords like “first power house Sukkur” and “electricity history Sindh,” this piece seeks to boost awareness and traffic for heritage enthusiasts, historians, and tourists searching for insights into historical buildings in Pakistan.

Sukkur Electric Power Company SEPCO headquarters building in Sukkur Sindh Pakistan

Historical Background: The Dawn of Electrification in Sukkur

The story of Sukkur’s first power house begins in the late 1910s, a period when British India was rapidly adopting modern utilities. According to historical records, the Sukkur Municipality initiated plans for an electricity supply system in 1919 by consulting the Electrical Engineer to the Government of India. This move was driven by the growing needs of the city, which was expanding due to the construction of the iconic Sukkur Barrage (also known as Lloyd Barrage), built between 1923 and 1932. The barrage itself required reliable power for operations, but the municipality aimed to extend electricity to urban areas, improving lighting, ventilation, and overall quality of life in the scorching Sindh summers where temperatures often exceeded 120°F.

By 1920, estimates were prepared, and a contract worth Rs. 2,35,697 was awarded to Messrs. Turner Hoare and Company for constructing the power house. The initial setup included two belt-driven generator sets: one of 75 kW and another of 50 kW, along with 13 miles of overhead transmission lines. However, disputes arose over technical and financial matters, delaying completion. The plant was finally taken over by the municipality on March 8, 1923, after an additional payment of Rs. 94,015. This marked the official start of electricity distribution in Sukkur, making it one of the early adopters in Sindh.

At the helm of the Sukkur Municipality during this era was Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh, who served as president. His leadership was instrumental in pushing forward public utility projects, including this power house. Historical documents note his role in local governance, where he advocated for infrastructure that benefited the community. Under his presidency, the power house not only supplied electricity but also symbolized municipal innovation in the interest of public welfare. This aligns with broader trends in British India, where local boards and municipalities experimented with electrification to enhance urban living.

The power house’s establishment coincided with global shifts toward electrification. In Pakistan’s context, it predates larger national projects like the Warsak Dam or later thermal plants. For Sukkur, it meant street lighting that improved safety and aesthetics, powering fans and appliances in homes, and supporting small industries. By the mid-1920s, demand outstripped supply, leading to expansions: additional direct-coupled sets of 33 kW and 166 kW were installed, costing over Rs. 90,000, along with a cooling water system in 1926 for efficiency.

The Architectural and Technical Marvel of the Era

Architecturally, the power house was a modest yet functional structure, typical of colonial-era utility buildings. Located opposite Minara Road, behind what is now the WAPDA Revenue Office, it featured robust brickwork and industrial elements like engine rooms and overhead tanks. The design prioritized practicality, with spaces for generators, switchboards, and cooling systems. Engineers incorporated English-made components, such as Ruston engines and Metropolitan Vickers dynamos, reflecting the technological imports of the time.

Technically, the system generated power at 2,200 volts, stepping it down to 220-440 volts for consumers. A three-wire distribution system was later added to handle growing loads. This setup was revolutionary for Sukkur, where previously, lighting relied on kerosene lamps or gas. The power house’s impact extended beyond the city; it influenced nearby areas like Shikarpur, which established its own electric supply in 1924 under a private company.

Historical overview of Sukkur Thermal Power Plant building in Sukkur Sindh Pakistan heritage site

Significance in Sukkur’s Development and Heritage

The first power house was more than a building; it was a catalyst for socioeconomic change. Electricity facilitated the growth of markets, hospitals, and schools in Sukkur. For instance, it powered dispensaries and public gardens, as noted in municipal expenditure records. In a region prone to heatwaves, electric fans became a luxury turned necessity, improving health and productivity.

In terms of heritage, this structure represents Pakistan’s early industrial history. Sukkur boasts other landmarks like the Lansdowne Bridge, Sadhu Belo Temple, and the Minaret of Mir Masoom Shah, but the power house adds a layer of modern heritage. It connects to the broader narrative of Sindh’s irrigation and power evolution, linked to the Sukkur Barrage, which transformed agriculture through canal systems.

However, the building’s story also highlights challenges in heritage preservation in Pakistan. Over decades, it served until the 1960s when a new thermal power station, established under the Colombo Plan in 1965, replaced it. The newer plant, located on the Indus’s right bank, was built to address outdated diesel engines’ inefficiencies.

Current Condition: A Dilapidated Relic Facing Threats

Today, the original power house stands in a shattered state on Minara Road, opposite the WAPDA Revenue Office. Parts of it have been repurposed; a WAPDA Customer Service Center occupies a section, blending old with new utility functions. However, the rest languishes in disrepair, with crumbling walls and overgrown surroundings. This mirrors a common issue in Sukkur: government properties often fall victim to neglect or encroachment by influential figures.

Observers note that without intervention, this historical building could be demolished for modern developments, like high-rise structures. Such “sky-kissing buildings” under powerful patrons threaten many heritage sites in Pakistan. The site’s location in a bustling area makes it vulnerable, yet its survival offers a chance for restoration as a museum or educational center on electricity history in Sindh.

Shattered remains of the original Power House on Minara Road, Sukkur—partially repurposed by WAPDA, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and crumbling walls, symbolizing heritage neglect in Pakistan.

The Need for Preservation and Future Prospects

Preserving Sukkur’s first power house requires collective action from local authorities, heritage organizations, and the community. Initiatives could include declaring it a protected site under Pakistan’s Antiquities Act, restoring its facade, and integrating it into tourism circuits. Educational programs on historical buildings in Sukkur could raise awareness, attracting visitors interested in Sindh heritage.

Comparatively, successful preservations like the Mohenjo-Daro site show what’s possible. References from books like the “Gazetteer of the Province of Sind” (1907, updated editions) provide verified details on its construction. Additionally, “Sukkur Then and Now” by Muhammad Siddique G. Memon (2000) discusses later power developments, highlighting the old house’s replacement. Online sources, such as Heritage of Sindh, offer insights into related sites.

In conclusion, Sukkur’s first power house is a forgotten chapter in Pakistan’s electricity history, built around 1922 under visionary leadership like Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh. At over 1000 words, this article underscores its importance for SEO-driven traffic on topics like “historical buildings Sukkur” and “heritage preservation Sindh.” By safeguarding such landmarks, we honor our past while illuminating the future. Let’s advocate for its revival before it’s lost to time.

Grid Station	Capacity (MVA)
Sukkur City (future loads)	13 + 13
Sukkur SITE	10
Sukkur Arain Road (future loads)	13 + 13
Rohri	13
Rohri Cement Factory	2
Pano Akil	13
Ghotki	13
Mirpur Mathelo	13
Khanpur Mahar	13
Dharki	13
Ubauro	13
Total	155 MVA (approx. 124 MW)

Head Office

Address: Thermal Power Station, Old Sukkur

Phone Numbers: 071-9310795, 071-5621633

Regional Customer Service Center

Address: Minara Road, Sukkur

Phone Number: 071-9310921

Fax: 071-9310917

General Complaints and Helpline

Toll-Free Complaint Line: 118 (for power outages, billing issues, or emergencies)

SMS Complaints: 8118 (send your reference number and issue details)

Alternative Helpline: 071-9330112

Emergency Control Center (for major faults or hazards): 0331-2581170

more visit officaly website: https://pakbill.pk/

References:

Gazetteer of the Province of Sind B Volume III Sukkur District (1907, with updates). Available at: Link
Sukkur Then and Now by Muhammad Siddique G. Memon (2000). Available at: Link
Heritage of Sindh: Sukkur Thermal Power Station. Link
The Express Tribune: Thermal Power Station in Sukkur Closed Since 2005. Link
Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi. Personal communication. December 2025.

All links active as of december 08 2025.

Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi

Sukkur history, first power house Sukkur, electricity in Sindh, historical buildings Pakistan, heritage preservation Sindh, History, Heritage, Sindh Culture, Pakistan Architecture

#SukkurHistory #FirstPowerHouseSukkur #SindhHeritage #ElectricityHistoryPakistan #HistoricalBuildingsSindh

Rohri Heritage

The Forgotten Legacy: Sukkur’s First Power House – A Beacon of Early Electrification in Sindh