Abstract: Background and Aim: Comparison of the efficacy of epidural labour analgesia and programmed labour analgesia in controlling labour pain. Objectives: Primary objectives are VAS score, vitals and any untoward effects. Effect on ambulation, APGAR score and incidence of intervention as secondary objectives. Methods: A total of 80 parturients in active labour were allocated into two equal groups by using random allocation software.Group (G1) was given epidural injection of 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.2% with 2mcg/ml fentanyl. Top up was given with same dose regimen in graded manner.Group (G2) was given programmed labour analgesia with Inj. Pentazocine 6mg IV+Inj. Diazepam 2mg IV+Inj. Tramadol 1mg/kg deep i.m and thereafter Inj. Drotaverine 40mg IV half hourly (maximum of 3 doses). Inj. Ketamine 0.25-0.5 mg/kg IV was given as resque analgesia. Quality of pain relief was assessed with VAS score. Results: Labour analgesia was better in epidural group (G1) with VAS decreased significantly at 5 min (p <.00001). It was<3 till end of delivery in group (G1).In Group (G2) VAS was mostly>3 and they required resque analgesia with ketamine. There were no significant changes in hemodynamics. Side effects were mild without needing any intervention.There was no effect on ambulation in group (G1). Local anaesthetics were needed for episiotomy in all cases in group (G2). No adverse effects were seen on neonate in either group. Conclusion: Epidural labour analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine plus fentanyl 2mcg/ml is better for labour analgesia in terms of VAS score, safety profile and side effects. There was no increase in duration of labour with epidural labour analgesia.