A week after Mumbai experienced a three-hour power failure, another unprecedented power cut hit Colaba since Sunday evening due to a major fault in the distribution network of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). Due to the power outbreak, the functioning of banks, shops and residential buildings were affected. The power was fully restored at 3 pm on Monday.
The power-tripping was also attributed to the road digging works in the area. The power failure though was restricted to the Colaba area in south Mumbai, it has yet again sparked debate on further strengthening power distribution and transmission networks in Mumbai.
"Yesterday three 11kv faults occurred in the Colaba area, due to this around 19 Distribution Sub Stations (DSS) were affected. Following the incident, the electricity was restored in phases. While in 70% of areas electricity was restored immediately, the remaining places took time. After repair work on the faulty feeder is concluded, the supply to the remaining areas will be restored,’’ BEST said in a statement on Monday afternoon. However, BEST officials later added that the power supply was fully restored at 3 pm.
“Power is crucial for the smooth and seamless functioning of our daily lives. Any kind of disruption in its supply brings our lives to a grinding halt. Access to reliable power, therefore, should be placed in the front and centre of all our efforts,” said Mumbai Urja Marg Transmission Project Director Ninad Pitale.
‘’There was an interruption of electric supply in the Colaba area on March 6 due to 11 kV cable faults in the connected network. The Victoria Bunder West tripped around 00.45 hrs and supply was restored at 1.24 hours by network changes due to 11 kV cable faults between Colaba receiving station and Victoria Bunder west distribution substation. Battery Street tripped around 18.10 hours and supply was restored at 18.58 hours,’’ said BEST in a statement. The undertaking further said the Backbay 1.7 to Snehamandal tripped at 19.33 ours and 75 to 80 percent supply was restored later.
Again, on Monday morning, the load dropped on A 4 to Regal feeder that led to immediate tripping at Convent Street annexe. The third fault between Colaba receiving substation and Victoria Bunder west was given to construction divisions for repair. The repaired feeder between the Snehmandal distribution substation and Cusrow Baug was taken on the load at 3 pm today.
