‘Stir causing power shortage in state’

State deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said the Telangana stir has led to power shortage in Maharashtra. He said rural areas have to endure three hours of load shedding in order to cover the shortage on Saturday and Sunday. G. Mohiuddin Jeddy reports.

State deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said the Telangana stir has led to power shortage in Maharashtra. He said rural areas have to endure three hours of load shedding in order to cover the shortage on Saturday and Sunday.

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"Coal to generate electric power in various regions of the state comes from Andhra Pradesh. However, the stir for Telangana has resulted in supply of coal being stopped to various coal-based power projects," Pawar said.

The trains bringing in coal to power stations in Maharashtra have stopped running for the last two days because of a 'rail roko' agitation.

"This has led to a shortage in the generation of electric power by 800 to 900 MW," he added. Stating that at present load shedding is being resorted to only in rural areas, Pawar said, "We are making efforts to source additional power from neighbouring states. We are hopeful of getting it soon."

The situation is likely to improve in the coming two-three days as the rail roko ended Sunday evening, bringing relief to hapless commuters.

With the blockade coming to an end, South Central Railway (SCR) announced restoration of a few passengers and transport trains with immediate effect.