Chandigarh’s residents endured prolonged power cuts on January 23 as inclement weather hammered the electrical infrastructure. Continuous downpours and powerful winds dismantled key components, sparking a citywide outage emergency.
Turbulent winds dislodged overhead conductors, igniting line-to-line shorts, ruptures, and structural failures at poles. Trees ripped from roots crashed into the network, snapping 37 poles and causing 182 breakdowns plus 34 transient events—mostly vegetation-induced.
The storm’s impact rippled through 11kV to 66kV feeders with incessant trips. Power vanished from Sector-39 to Mohali lines, hitting Sector-12, Water Works, and beyond. Visibility plummeted under 94% cloud cover, and flooded, slippery access routes bogged down repair squads.
CPDL mobilized immediately, enacting emergency load maneuvers and flooding streets with patrol teams. Unfazed by the storm, workers cleared paths, mended breaks, and powered up sectors progressively, conquering most disruptions.
Hardest hit were the 33kV grids in Sector-37 and feeders through Sectors 34 and 18, besieged by tree blockages and fault loops. Teams braved poor conditions for inspections, isolations, branch removals, and fixes, followed by staggered load reinstatement.
CPDL is overseeing a secure, step-by-step revival, with full service resumption on the horizon. Citizens should extend cooperation to on-ground crews and stay patient. Upholding its core mission, CPDL guarantees resilient power provision come what may.