Pune: Long Power Cuts in Bhosari MIDC Spark Debate on Maharashtra’s Industrial Future
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Bhosari, 4th January 2025: Pimpri Chinchwad, known as the industrial hub of Maharashtra, is facing significant electricity issues. The heart of this industrial zone, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Bhosari, is currently grappling with frequent power outages. Industry owners have reported problems such as production losses, damaged machines, financial setbacks, and challenges in retaining customers.
Some claim that this issue isn’t limited to Bhosari MIDC but affects the whole of Maharashtra, suggesting it is a reason for businesses leaving the state and potential investors hesitating to enter. As a result, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), which provides electricity to the state, is under intense scrutiny.
The problem came into sharper focus when yesterday, an electricity outage lasting more than 3 hours was reported in Bhosari MIDC. Speaking to Punekar News, Abhay Bhor, President of Industries Association Maharashtra, emphasized the problems in Bhosari MIDC. He stated that businesses in MIDC are being “looted” by MSEDCL, citing inadequate infrastructure to support the industries’ needs. “They can’t handle the load, resulting in frequent electricity outages. During the rainy season, power outages can last for days, causing huge problems for industries here,” Bhor explained.
Bhor further emphasized that production losses occur, deadlines are missed, and customers impose fines, all due to inconsistent electricity supply. He called for an independent MSEDCL team dedicated to MIDC, as the current manpower is insufficient. Bhor also mentioned the need to reinstate the old instalment scheme to help industrialists pay outstanding bills.
“Due to electricity outages, production gets hampered, labourers have to sit idle, yet there are salaries and bills to be paid. If MSEDCL brings back the instalment scheme, it would help everyone,” Bhor said. He added that electricity rates in Maharashtra are higher compared to other states, contributing to businesses moving out and new ones hesitating to enter.
A small industry owner in Bhosari MIDC also reported that feeder pillars are left open, distribution boxes are unattended, and wire heights are too low, leading to frequent accidents with trucks and containers. Incidents of short circuits, fires, and electrocution of workers are common. The problem of electricity theft is also significant in the area, he added.
Responding to these issues, an MSEDCL spokesperson stated that infrastructure is upgraded as needed, and proposals for further upgrades in many areas are under consideration. A decision will be taken soon, the spokesperson added.
Speaking on the ground realities of Bhosari, Executive Engineer Atul Deokar told Punekar News that in Bhosari MIDC, most of the electricity wiring system is underground. While this reduces frequent problems, repairs take longer when damage occurs. “Finding the problem, digging it up – all requires at least 3-4 hours when it happens,” Deokar explained.
Addressing the inconsistent electricity supply, Deokar said efforts are underway to secure alternate energy sources to meet MIDC’s electricity demand. Regarding unsafe infrastructure, he stated that repairs are carried out immediately upon discovery, adding that such issues mainly arise due to the theft of infrastructure materials. “Campaigns against electricity theft and coordination sessions with industry owners are conducted frequently,” Deokar added.
