In a remarkable display of dedication and relentless effort, a team of 48 engineers and employees from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) achieved an unprecedented 70-hour feat to resolve a catastrophic breakdown of a massive 22-tonne power transformer at the Khed Shivapur sub-station in Pune.
The power transformer, boasting a capacity of 10 MVA, is located within the Khed Shivapur 33/22 sub-station, part of the Mulshi division. The journey began when the transformer was initially shut down at around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, leading to an alternative power supply being provided to around 5500 consumers across 17 villages.
However, an inspection the next morning revealed the need for a transformer replacement. The team quickly transported another 10 MVA power transformer from the Bhima – Koregaon substation, approximately 40 km away. The technical processes were completed, but the replacement transformer was found to be faulty the next morning.
This situation necessitated yet another transformer, this time from Chandoli, approximately 60 km away from Shivapur. The journey faced a momentary halt, but with the use of a crane, the transformer resumed its journey. After a series of challenges, the power transformer was finally commissioned at 3:15 a.m., culminating a grueling 70-hour continuous service effort.
This extraordinary endeavor involved not only replacing the massive 22-tonne power transformer twice but also encompassed testing, transportation, heavy crane operations, oil changes, load management, and the deployment of technical solutions to provide alternate power supply.
The success of this remarkable mission can be attributed to the leadership of Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar and the unwavering dedication of the entire team, including Superintending Engineer Yuvraj Jarag, Executive Engineer Manik Rathod, and many others who played crucial roles.
Assistant Engineer Deepali Kulkarni, who played a pivotal role during this monumental effort, received recognition for her dedication alongside her husband Nitin Kulkarni during the program.
