Pune: Baner–Balewadi–Pashan–Mahalunge Residents Protest Against Power Cuts, Demand Completion Of Substation And Grid Upgrade
Pune: Baner–Balewadi–Pashan–Mahalunge Residents Protest Against Power Cuts, Demand Completion Of Substation And Grid Upgrade
Pune, May 16, 2026: Hundreds of residents from Baner, Balewadi, Pashan and Mahalunge staged a strong protest against frequent power outages, voltage fluctuations and what they termed as an inadequate and overstressed electricity infrastructure in Pune’s rapidly growing western corridor.
The protest was jointly organised by the Baner Balewadi Residents Association (BBPRA) and Baner Balewadi Nagrik Manch (BBNM), bringing together citizens from high-density residential and commercial zones located near Pune’s IT and development hubs.
Residents said the area has seen rapid urban expansion with multiple high-rise projects and commercial developments, but electricity infrastructure has not been upgraded in proportion to the rising demand. They alleged that power cuts have become frequent, occurring several times a week and sometimes lasting for hours or even up to 24 hours.
Protesters also raised concerns over repeated voltage fluctuations, claiming these incidents have led to damage of household electrical appliances and financial losses for residents.
They further alleged that underground cabling was damaged during metro construction work and that restoration efforts remain incomplete or poorly executed. Safety concerns were also highlighted, including exposed high-tension cables and feeder pillar boxes installed on footpaths without adequate protection.
Residents pointed to increasing electricity load due to dense construction activity under UDCPR norms, questioning whether proper load assessments were conducted before granting large-scale building permissions.
The demonstrators urged intervention from the State Government, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MahaTransco), and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), demanding a comprehensive audit of the region’s power infrastructure and immediate capacity upgrades.
A key demand was the early completion of the proposed high-voltage substation at Balewadi on Survey No. 4/1 (0.65 acres), which residents said is critical for long-term stability. At present, the area continues to rely heavily on substations at NCL and Hinjewadi.
Residents also criticised the grievance redressal system, alleging that complaints filed through the MSEDCL mobile application often remain unresolved and helplines are frequently unresponsive, forcing repeated follow-ups.
The protest further highlighted the lack of compensation mechanisms for damages caused to electrical appliances due to unstable supply, and demanded strict enforcement of technical standards in underground cabling and restoration works.
Participants also called for the formation of a joint citizens’ committee and regular review meetings between residents and electricity authorities to ensure transparent and time-bound resolution of issues.
The demonstration concluded with an appeal to the Chief Minister, who also holds the power portfolio, to personally intervene and ensure planned, future-ready electricity infrastructure in Pune’s fast-expanding urban pockets.
