Waterlogging Disrupts Pune’s Power Supply; Feeder Pillars Damaged, Risk of Accidents Increases
Pune, 17th June 2025: With the onset of the monsoon, Pune is facing widespread waterlogging, which has severely impacted the city’s electricity supply. The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) reports frequent power outages caused by rainwater entering underground power cables and roadside feeder pillars.
Many of these underground power lines and feeder units—installed on footpaths and road junctions—are now exposed to rainwater due to the poor drainage system. The resulting high humidity levels and direct water ingress have led to short circuits, equipment failures, and even explosions in several feeder pillars.
MSEDCL and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had installed underground cabling in various parts of the city to improve both power reliability and safety. However, the accumulation of water around Distribution Points (DPs) and feeder pillars during heavy rainfall has emerged as a serious concern. In many areas, entire neighborhoods experience blackouts when these feeder pillars are damaged.
“Water seeping into feeder pillars is causing significant technical faults. If live current comes into contact with water, there is a serious risk of electrocution,” warned an MSEDCL official.
There are reportedly hundreds of such feeder pillars across Pune’s major roads. With many roads experiencing chronic waterlogging, the number of electricity disruptions has increased drastically this monsoon.
Key Issues Identified by MSEDCL:
-Feeder pillar malfunctions due to water ingress
-Explosions in electrical units during heavy rains
-Repeated disruptions to the city’s power supply
-Increased risk of electrical accidents in flooded areas
MSEDCL has urged the PMC to take immediate steps to resolve the city’s drainage issues, especially in areas where critical electrical infrastructure is installed. Citizens have also been advised to avoid walking through waterlogged streets near electrical installations during rain.
