‘RTL Will Boost the Growth of the Electrical Industry’ – CM Devendra Fadnavis

CM inaugurates Regional Testing Laboratory of CPRI at Shilapur

Nashik, Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that with the establishment of the Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL) of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) at Nashik, electrical equipment manufacturers will no longer need to travel to Hyderabad or Bhopal for testing. The necessary infrastructure for testing electrical products is now available within Maharashtra. He further noted that as Maharashtra is emerging as a hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in India, having EV testing facilities at the Nashik laboratory will give a major boost to the EV industry.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the CPRI Regional Testing Laboratory at Shilapur. The event was attended by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar; Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal; Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan; School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse; CPRI Director General Ashish Singh, and others.

Calling the laboratory a crucial facility for Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis said the demand for it was recognized in the 12th Finance Commission, leading to today’s well-established setup. Earlier, the high costs of testing limited investment in the sector. With the RTL, infrastructure will be available for testing everything from transformers to electrical equipment. He added that as Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are being promoted as EV manufacturing hubs, this laboratory will provide further support.

₹2 Lakh Crore Investment in Power Sector

The CM highlighted that under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, the power sector has seen transformational changes. Electricity consumption is expected to quadruple over the next 25 years compared to the last 25. To make Maharashtra self-reliant, efforts have begun to install 45,000 MW capacity in three years, with a planned investment of ₹2 lakh crore by 2035 in generation, transmission, and distribution, in collaboration with the Centre. The focus is on building a robust distribution network, green energy, and reliable power supply. Maharashtra currently ranks first in the central government’s power sector rating system.

Pending transmission projects are being completed, with the Centre providing ₹29,000 crore under the RDSS scheme to upgrade infrastructure. In the next 3–4 years, Maharashtra will have reliable facilities, including the world’s largest solar energy distribution system. Farmers will receive daytime power from 16,000 MW of new solar capacity, while electricity tariffs will be reduced by 2% annually between 2025 and 2030. Industry will also benefit from reduced tariffs and assured supply.

Nashik to Become an ‘Industry Junction’

CM Fadnavis said Nashik is becoming a major investment hub, with seven major companies investing in the last six months. Mining equipment production will begin in Nashik. With the Samruddhi Expressway improving connectivity and planned links to JNPT and Vadhavan Port, Nashik is set to emerge as an “Industry Junction” in the near future.

“RTL Will Meet Western India’s Needs” – Union Power Minister Khattar

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar called the lab “the lifeline of the power sector,” noting that every piece of equipment, from domestic appliances to industrial components, must undergo rigorous quality testing. The Nashik RTL will serve the growing needs of western India’s industries and stands as a symbol of scientific and engineering excellence.

Praising Maharashtra for introducing pre-paid smart meters, he said the state’s decision to give 10% tariff rebates to users is commendable and a model for others. Manufacturers of transformers, meters, transformer oil, and other equipment can now access advanced testing and certification locally. He also stressed the importance of testing for submarine power lines and nuclear power transmission.

“The Lab Will Attract Major Industries” – Minister Bhujbal

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the RTL will serve as an international center for power safety and research and will attract multinational companies already active in western India. With world-class facilities, skilled manpower, and strong connectivity in Nashik, the lab will drive industrial growth and make the city an electrical hub. Testing facilities within the state will also boost exports.

About the Facility

This is CPRI’s second regional laboratory in Maharashtra, after the one at Nagpur’s Thermal Research Centre. Built on 100 acres of state-allotted land, it offers advanced facilities such as an online short-circuit test station, energy meter lab, transformer routine testing, temperature rise testing, 800 kV impulse voltage testing, and transformer oil analysis.

The laboratory supports self-reliance, reducing dependency on foreign testing, cutting certification timelines, and encouraging faster product development and market entry. Built to international standards, it will enhance quality, safety, and reliability, while promoting collaboration between industries and research institutions.

CM Fadnavis and Union Minister Khattar jointly inaugurated the facility, toured the premises, and reviewed its operations. Several MLAs, senior officials, and dignitaries from across the state attended the event.