Pune: Kondhwa’s Bhagyodaynagar residents face frequent power cuts as DP box remains non-functional

Kondhwa, 19th August 2025: Residents of Bhagyodaynagar in Kondhwa are grappling with repeated power cuts lasting two to three hours every alternate day, as an overloaded distribution panel (DP) box continues to short circuit. Although Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) installed a new DP box in the locality a few months ago, it has yet to be made operational, leaving nearly 800 to 1,000 consumers frustrated.

For many households, the situation has become routine. “Almost every alternate day, the lights go out and we wait two to three hours before officials arrive for repairs. Close to 250 flats are affected in our neighbourhood,” said resident Munaf Shaikh. “If the new DP box is activated, these frequent disruptions will come down significantly.”

According to Shaikh, the old DP box trips frequently because of excessive demand. “Despite installing a new one, MSEDCL hasn’t started it yet,” he said, adding that residents have been struggling with the issue for several months.

Another local resident pointed out the impact of power cuts on those working from home. “Many of us don’t have backup inverters. Regular interruptions disturb online meetings and office work. Luckily, there are no elderly patients with critical health issues in our building, otherwise the situation could have been worse,” the resident said.

An MSEDCL official confirmed that the new DP box would take some more time to become operational. “The necessary technical work is in progress. It should be functional within 30 to 45 days,” the official said.

Residents say they have been consistently following up with the power utility. “We are urging MSEDCL to expedite the process because people here have been suffering for too long,” Shaikh added.

Similar problems were reported earlier in Badshahnagar, Kausarbaug, where an ageing transformer caused frequent outages. “Our society also struggled with the same issue, but after repeated complaints, MSEDCL resolved it,” said a local resident.

In February, MSEDCL commissioned two new 22 KV lines to improve electricity supply for over 40,000 consumers in Kondhwa and Pisoli, including areas like Bhagyodaynagar, Khuba Masjid, and Waghjai. However, residents of Bhagyodaynagar say the benefits are yet to reach them.