Power Crisis Grips Pune’s IT Corridor: Work From Home Advised as Restoration Stretches On

Pune’s renowned IT hub is currently navigating one of its most significant infrastructure setbacks in recent memory. A major power crisis continues in Pune’s IT corridor after a fault in the 220 kV Infosys–Pegasus underground cable left over 52,000 consumers without electricity. While residential zones saw quick recovery, IT firms across Hinjewadi and surrounding tech parks are still grappling with limited, staggered power supply. The crisis has not only disrupted corporate operations but also led authorities and traffic police to urge companies to switch to work-from-home models until full restoration.

⚡ What Triggered the Power Crisis in Pune?

• The fault occurred on Sunday around 2:10 PM in MSETCL’s 220 kV Infosys–Pegasus underground cable.
• The outage followed a routine maintenance shutdown earlier in the day by MSEDCL.
• The disruption impacted 25 feeder lines, including 91 high-tension (HT) and over 52,000 low-tension (LT) consumers.
• Hinjewadi MIDC Phase 3, Wipro Circle, and Raisoni Tech Park are among the worst affected zones.

🏢 Impact on IT Companies and Work Culture

The outage has left several leading IT companies — including TCS, Wipro, IBM, Tech Mahindra, and Cognizant — functioning under restricted power supply. Many firms are receiving electricity in staggered five-hour cycles. Authorities have recommended work-from-home (WFH) policies to avoid overloading alternate power lines and reduce office traffic.

• Wipro was the first to formally implement WFH across its Hinjewadi campus.
• FITE (Forum for IT Employees) reports a mixed response from other IT employers.
• Traffic police have advised alternate routes and remote work to ease congestion.

🚧 Restoration Efforts and Official Response

MSETCL and MSEDCL have launched a war-footing restoration drive. Senior engineers from both departments are working around the clock to reroute power and stabilize load management.

• By Sunday 10 PM, 2,000 LT customers received temporary relief through alternate lines.
• By early Monday morning, power was restored to most residential areas.
• Industrial zones continue to face rotational power supply management.
• Full restoration is expected by Wednesday evening, July 9.

📍 Areas Worst Hit by the Outage

• Mulshi Division: Xrbia Society, Kolte Patil Township, Marunji, Maan, Jambe, Mere, Dattawadi
• Pimpri Division: Hinjewadi MIDC, Raisoni Park, Dohler Company vicinity, Wipro Circle
• 25 feeder lines, including major HT networks serving top tech parks, were disrupted.

🗣️ Stakeholders Speak Out

Chief Engineers Anil Kolap (MSETCL) and Sunil Kakade (MSEDCL) confirmed the rare nature of this outage and assured that all efforts are being made to prevent long-term disruptions.

• Anil Kolap: “It’s the first incident of this kind on this route. Full restoration will take at least 3 days.”
• Sunil Kakade: “We rerouted power wherever possible. Alternate networks helped avoid a prolonged blackout.”
• Sachin Salkar (Hinjewadi Industrial Association): “We urge firms to allow WFH till supply is stable.”
• Pavanjit Mane (FITE): “Only Wipro responded positively. We’ve asked MP Supriya Sule to step in.”

🧠 People Also Ask

• What caused the power crisis in Pune's IT corridor?
  A fault in the 220 kV Infosys–Pegasus underground cable disrupted supply to over 52,000 users.
• When will full power be restored in Hinjewadi?
  MSETCL officials estimate complete restoration by the evening of July 9.
• Are IT companies in Pune allowing WFH?
  Wipro has formally allowed WFH. Others are yet to issue official guidelines.
• Which areas are most affected by the outage?
  Hinjewadi Phase 3, Wipro Circle, Raisoni Tech Park, and parts of the Mulshi and Pimpri divisions.
• How is Mahavitaran managing the crisis?
  By rerouting supply, using alternate lines, and implementing staggered load management for HT consumers.

✅ Conclusion

The ongoing power crisis in Pune’s IT corridor highlights the vulnerability of urban tech infrastructure and the need for contingency planning. As engineers race to restore normalcy, thousands of IT professionals and companies are adapting through hybrid models and remote work. With restoration promised by July 9, Pune’s resilience and coordinated response offer a glimmer of hope amidst the disruption. Stay updated and stay prepared — because power, in more ways than one, fuels progress.