PowerOutage – Gurugram Grid Failure Disrupts Metro Services Across Key Sectors
PowerOutage – Residents across large parts of Gurugram faced a difficult Friday evening after a major power breakdown disrupted electricity supply and halted Rapid Metro operations for nearly an hour. The outage was reportedly triggered by an explosion at a high-capacity transformer inside the Sector 72 power substation, leading to a wider grid failure across multiple areas of the city.
Transformer Blast Triggers Widespread Blackout
According to officials familiar with the incident, the disruption began after a technical malfunction caused an oil leak inside a current transfer circuit at the 220kV substation located in Sector 72. The fault reportedly led to a transformer blast followed by a fire, affecting several connected power lines and substations dependent on the facility.
Authorities said the Sector 72 installation plays a critical role in Gurugram’s electricity network and supplies power to several adjoining substations. Following the explosion, electricity supply was interrupted in sectors including 15, 38, 44, 46, 52 and 56, along with nearby residential and commercial zones stretching up to Sector 57.
The sudden outage occurred during intense evening heat, creating discomfort for residents and disrupting operations at offices, shops and other establishments.
Rapid Metro Operations Affected
The power failure also interrupted Rapid Metro services in Gurugram. Metro operations remained suspended for approximately 45 minutes, leaving commuters stranded during peak travel hours.
Several passengers were reportedly asked to leave halted trains and move toward the nearest stations on foot along the metro tracks. Videos circulating on social media showed commuters walking in groups after services came to a standstill because of the blackout.
In a statement, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said train movement on the Rapid Metro corridor was unavailable between 7:50 pm and 8:33 pm due to the disruption in electricity supply from the Sector 72 substation operated by Haryana’s power infrastructure network.
However, Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line services continued without interruption as backup arrangements from an alternate substation remained functional.
Heatwave Conditions Worsened Situation
Officials linked the incident to extreme weather conditions and heavy electricity demand. One senior official stated that excessive heat may have contributed to the failure of one of the three major current transformer circuits supplying electricity to the Sector 72 substation.
The resulting fault reportedly spread to adjoining circuits, causing a temporary collapse in power distribution across connected areas. The outage continued for nearly 60 to 90 minutes before restoration work began.
The blackout also raised concerns at essential public facilities. Sources indicated that the government mortuary near Sector 12 experienced a temporary loss of electricity supply during the disruption, prompting concerns over refrigeration systems amid high temperatures.
Power Supply Gradually Restored
Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam confirmed the incident and said technical teams were deployed immediately after the fire was reported. Officials added that the issue originated from a fault in the current transfer circuit, which caused an oil leak before the transformer explosion.
Electricity department authorities later announced that power supply had been restored in the affected sectors after emergency repair work and load management measures were completed.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding pressure on urban power infrastructure during periods of peak summer demand, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Gurugram where residential density and commercial activity continue to increase.