Pune: NHAI Highway Work Damages MSEDCL Power Cables Thrice on Wakad-Chandni Chowk Stretch; Complaint Filed at Bavdhan Police Station
Highway widening between Wakad and Chandni Chowk damaged MSEDCL’s 22 kV cables three times in October, putting supply in Aundh, Baner and Mahalunge at risk.
Photo: Sarahqureshi11 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 3rd November 2026: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has filed a police complaint against the contractor carrying out National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) work on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway after underground power cables were damaged three times in October between Wakad Bridge and Chandni Chowk.
The Baner branch office under MSEDCL’s Aundh sub-division lodged the complaint at Bavdhan police station on 27 October, Pune Pulse reported. The contractor has not been named.
Three cable cuts in October
| Date | Damage |
|---|---|
| 16 October | 22 kV Beverly feeder cable damaged |
| 17 October | 22 kV Nia feeder cable damaged near Bitwise Chowk |
| 31 October | Another cable damaged during construction |
MSEDCL officials said a fault in these 22 kV underground cables could disrupt power to large parts of Aundh, Baner and Mahalunge, and that repairs have already cost several lakh rupees.
Why this keeps happening
The highway between Wakad and Chandni Chowk is being widened, with heavy excavation along a corridor where power, water and telecom lines run underground. MSEDCL says the repeated damage points to the need for more care on site when digging near its cable routes.
If your power goes off, check outage updates on the MSEDCL app or call its toll-free numbers 1912 or 1800-212-3435.
The same stretch also sees heavy traffic during the work; plan extra time if you are heading towards Chandni Chowk, and read about this week’s rain and waterlogging in Pune.
Frequently asked questions
Why did MSEDCL file a complaint against the NHAI contractor?
Because highway work between Wakad Bridge and Chandni Chowk damaged MSEDCL’s 22 kV underground cables three times in October 2026.
Which areas could face power cuts?
MSEDCL says faults in these cables could disrupt supply in Aundh, Baner and Mahalunge.
Where can I report a power outage in Pune?
Through the MSEDCL (Mahavitaran) app or website, or its toll-free numbers 1912 and 1800-212-3435.
