PowerOutage – Transformer Fault Disrupts Life in Pimpri-Chinchwad
PowerOutage- A major electricity failure late Sunday night left large parts of Pimpri-Chinchwad in darkness after a critical transformer malfunctioned at a key power facility. The outage, which began around 11:10 pm, disrupted both households and industrial units across the Bhosari and Pimpri divisions, affecting thousands of residents and more than 500 businesses.
Transformer Breakdown Triggers Widespread Disruption
The interruption was traced to an internal fault in an 80 MVA extra-high-voltage transformer at a 220 kV substation operated by Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (Mahatransco). The malfunction resulted in a sudden loss of power load, leading to outages across several residential and commercial pockets.
Officials said the scale of the disruption was significant because the transformer plays a central role in supplying electricity to one of the region’s busiest industrial belts. As a result, routine activities were severely affected, and industrial production came to a halt in several units.
Industrial Units Bear the Brunt
The industrial clusters in Bhosari MIDC were among the worst hit. Key blocks such as S-Block, J-Block, D-2 Block, F-2 Block, and T-Block reported a complete shutdown following the power failure. Many manufacturing units had to suspend operations abruptly, leading to concerns over production losses.
Business owners in the area expressed worry over recurring technical problems at the substation, noting that even short interruptions can impact supply chains and delivery schedules. Industrial operations that rely on continuous electricity supply were particularly affected.
Residential Areas Experience Fluctuations
Beyond industrial zones, several residential neighborhoods also faced electricity fluctuations and prolonged outages. Areas including Indrayani Nagar, Bhosari Gaon, Jal Vayu Vihar, Gandharva Nagari, Sectors 4 and 6, Nehru Nagar, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Dapodi, and Kasarwadi reported unstable supply through the night and into the following day.
Residents described disruptions to daily routines, with some localities experiencing repeated voltage fluctuations even after partial restoration efforts began. Essential services and small businesses operating in these neighborhoods were also impacted.
Emergency Measures and Load Diversion
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) initiated emergency measures soon after the fault was detected. Technical teams worked overnight to reroute electricity through alternate circuits in an attempt to stabilize the grid.
While partial power supply was restored in certain pockets by shifting the load to other feeders, officials cautioned that the temporary arrangement may not provide consistent service. The added pressure on alternate circuits could lead to further interruptions until the main transformer is fully repaired or replaced.
Authorities have appealed to consumers to cooperate by minimizing electricity usage during this period. Reducing load demand, they said, would help prevent additional strain on the system and support restoration efforts.
Recurring Technical Concerns
This is not the first time the same transformer has caused trouble. Earlier this month, on February 2, a similar internal fault had required urgent repair work and emergency restoration. The repeated malfunction has raised questions about equipment stability at the Bhosari facility.
Power officials acknowledged the inconvenience caused to residents and industries and stated that efforts are underway to implement a long-term solution. Technical assessments are being carried out to determine whether a complete replacement of the transformer is necessary to prevent further breakdowns.
For now, restoration work continues as teams monitor the grid to ensure balanced distribution and minimize additional outages. Authorities have assured the public that resolving the issue remains a priority, with the aim of restoring a full and stable electricity supply at the earliest.