Nagpur: In a major push to modernise the electricity infrastructure and tackle the growing menace of frequent power trippings, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has received approval for a massive Rs 603 crore power infrastructure upgrade plan for Nagpur city and surrounding rural areas.
The ambitious project, aimed at ensuring round-the-clock uninterrupted electricity supply in the State’s Second Capital, will be financed through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The plan focuses on strengthening the ageing power distribution network amid rapidly rising electricity consumption driven by urban expansion, soaring temperatures and increasing use of power-intensive appliances.
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According to officials, the city’s power demand is now approaching 900 MW due to the intense summer heat, with households increasingly relying on air conditioners, coolers and induction cooktops. Officials also pointed out that changing consumption patterns and expanding residential clusters have placed tremendous pressure on the existing electricity infrastructure.
As part of the large-scale overhaul, MSEDCL has proposed laying nearly 2,213 km of additional 33 KV power cables comprising 564 cable pairs. The project also includes installation of 54 new transformers, which will supplement the existing network of 190 substations across the region.
To further strengthen load management and reduce transformer failures, the power utility plans to lay 12,778 km of 11 KV cable lines. These measures are expected to minimise overload-related disruptions and improve supply stability in densely populated localities.
In another significant move, MSEDCL has proposed installation of 319 new power transformers and 34,770 distribution transformers to evenly distribute electricity load in areas witnessing rapid urbanisation and rising consumption.
The utility has also prepared a future-oriented rural electrification strategy under which 32,184 km of low-tension (LT) power lines will be laid across 1,840 villages to meet increasing future demand.
The comprehensive infrastructure blueprint was finalised during a high-level review meeting chaired by Maharashtra Revenue and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule along with senior MSEDCL officials.
Officials informed the minister that locations for 21 new 33/11 KV substations have already been identified, including nine within Nagpur city and 12 in rural areas. Additionally, seven existing substations will undergo major upgrades to improve transmission efficiency and reduce outages.
To strengthen last-mile supply and improve reliability, the power utility plans to install 405 additional transformers, along with expansion of 154 km of overhead power lines and nearly 300 km of underground cabling.
The infrastructure strengthening project is expected to significantly benefit rapidly developing suburban and industrial zones including Hingna, Dabha, Butibori and New Kalamna, besides densely populated localities such as Subhan Nagar and Jafar Nagar.
Industrial hubs and high-demand zones including Butibori MIDC, Civil Lines, Gandhibagh and Mahal subdivisions have also been prioritised in the upgraded power distribution strategy.
The revamp plan further extends to rural tehsils including Katol, Umrer, Mauda and Kamptee, where the electricity network is expected to witness substantial improvements over the next few years.
Senior MSEDCL officials including Chief Engineer Dilip Dodke, Superintending Engineers Amit Paranjape and Sanjay Wakde presented the detailed infrastructure roadmap during the review meeting.
