Power cuts in Navi Mumbai after fire at Kalwa substation

A major fire that broke out at the Kalwa substation of Airoli on Thursday has damaged the ITC (inter-connecting transformer).

A major fire that broke out at the Kalwa substation of Airoli on Thursday has damaged the ITC (inter-connecting transformer).

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The repair work on Friday led to a power blackout for the entire day from Vashi to Airoli nodes in Navi Mumbai.

Several business establishments were forced to down shutters during the period. Power was restored in stages in the satellite city.

In order to manage the sudden deficiency of power, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has decided to introduce temporary power cuts in the city.

About 1.5 lakh consumers, both residential and commercial will be affected due to the load-shedding.

DR Saboo, superintendent engineer of MSEDCL, said: “Since the repairing of the transformer is going to take a lot of time, we have decided to replace it with a new one. This process will take at least 10 days, which will result in power disruption in the area.”

Saboo said because of the damage of this transformer, the area was facing a shortage of 150MW on a daily basis.

UG Zalte, director of operation department, MSEDCL, said, “The damage to ITC has caused a damage amounting to Rs 6.32 crore, and load-shedding is the only option we have until we get a new transformer. We will have a shortage of 20MW only in Vashi, which is a matter of serious concern not only for the residents but also for the industrialists. It will continue up to November 2.”