Nagpur: Snapping of underground cables and a major transformer fire left thousands without electricity on Monday, prompting the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to launch massive restoration efforts. Repair work continued through the night, with power supply restored in all affected areas before the situation could escalate into a wider outage crisis.
Bhandewadi Dumping Yard Incident
The first incident occurred around 8:30 PM on May 25 at the Bhandewadi dumping yard, where a Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) JCB machine accidentally damaged the main underground cable linked to the 11 kV Wathoda switching substation. This substation supplies power to nearly 20,000 consumers. MSEDCL initially diverted the load to an alternative feeder to maintain supply. However, within 30 minutes, the second feeder also developed faults at two locations near Goenka Layout, posing a major technical challenge for the utility.
Response Amid Heatwave
With electricity demand soaring amid the ongoing heatwave, the simultaneous failure of both feeders threatened prolonged outages across the area. MSEDCL subsequently shifted the load of nearly 16,000 consumers to nearby substations to minimize disruption. For the remaining 4,000 consumers, rotational load management was implemented between 9 PM and 3 AM until repairs were completed. Technical teams worked through the night under difficult conditions and restored both damaged cables by 3:15 AM on May 26, normalizing supply in the Wathoda area.
Transformer Fire in NIT Complex
Earlier in the day, a fire destroyed a 200 kVA transformer, distribution box, and connected cables in the NIT Complex area of Ashirwad Nagar around 4:30 AM, disrupting supply to nearly 250 consumers. MSEDCL personnel rushed to the spot and replaced the damaged transformer and cables. Officials said restoration work was completed by 2:30 PM, after which power supply resumed in the locality.
Official Action
MSEDCL has informed the Electrical Inspector's Office about both incidents. The utility's swift response amid extreme summer conditions drew appreciation from residents in the affected areas.
