The Maharashtra government has announced plans to fast-track the development of new power substations in the Pimpri-Chinchwad region to address the growing demand for electricity and prevent power outages, according to BJP MLA Mahesh Landge. The move comes as the region experiences rapid urbanization and industrial expansion, straining the existing electrical infrastructure.

Addressing Power Supply Challenges

During the ongoing legislative assembly session, Maharashtra Minister of State for Energy Meghna Bordikar-Sakore assured that necessary funds will be allocated for the proposed development projects to strengthen the power supply. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to implementing concrete solutions for the growing industrial and residential power issues in Pimpri-Chinchwad and the Bhosari assembly constituency.

BJP MLA Mahesh Landge raised several demands regarding the empowerment of the city’s power supply under Rule 105 during the Maharashtra Assembly Budget Session. In a written response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Energy portfolio, signaled a push to accelerate crucial projects to make the electrical system more strong.

Current Power Supply Situation

Under the Ganeshkhind Road Circle of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), which covers Bhosari, Charholi, Moshi, Talawade, and Chikhali, power is currently supplied to 453,820 consumers across industrial, commercial, and residential categories, including 580 high-tension (HT) consumers. MSEDCL provides an installed capacity of 805 MVA through four 220 kV substations, while demand has already reached 627 MVA.

Minister Bordikar-Sakore highlighted future stress due to rapid urbanization, noting that completing proposed substations at 200 KV Moshi and 200 KV Charholi will resolve these power issues. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the region.

Green Light for New Substations

According to the state’s energy department, the following projects will be fast-tracked:

  • Extra High Voltage (EHV) Substation at Safari Park, Moshi: To stabilize supply in Moshi, Dudulgaon, Akurdi, Chikhali, and Talawade.
  • New EHV Substation at Charholi: To ensure adequate voltage for Bhosari, Charholi, Dighi, and Dhanori.
  • Century Enka EHV Substation: Proposal to install two new power transformers to meet future demand.
  • Medium Voltage Switching Station: A separate proposal has been submitted for approval.

These projects aim to address the current power deficit and prevent future outages. The government has also initiated an ambitious plan for underground cabling in Bhosari Gaothan under the RDSS scheme. Directions have been issued to immediately start laying independent feeders and underground cables from the Devi Indrayani switching substation in Talwade. These measures aim to reduce frequent power outages, ensure continuity for industrial production, and provide safe and stable power to residential areas.

Curbing Electricity Theft

MLA Landge highlighted that during a massive anti-encroachment drive in Kudalwadi, where 900 acres were cleared, it was discovered that out of 5,000 properties, only 900 had legal connections, while over 3,800 were unauthorized. He demanded a joint meeting between small-scale industrial associations, local administration, and representatives to address power theft, staff shortages, and maintenance delays. Minister Bordikar-Sakore responded positively to this demand.

Landge stated, ‘Due to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have been able to provide the infrastructure and MSEDCL branch offices needed for our growing city. As the Chikhali-Moshi-Charholi and Punawale-Ravet-Kiwale-Wakad residential corridors expand, the BJP-Mahayuti government has taken firm decisions to build electrical infrastructure. I thank the Chief Minister and the State Government for assuring the approval and funding of these proposed works.’

The government’s efforts to address the power supply issues in Pimpri-Chinchwad are expected to have a significant impact on the region’s industrial and residential sectors. The proposed projects are set to be completed within the next few years, providing a more reliable and stable power supply to the area.

The fast-tracking of these projects is a crucial step in ensuring the region’s continued growth and development. With the increasing demand for electricity, the government’s commitment to addressing the power supply issues is a positive sign for the future of Pimpri-Chinchwad.