Maharashtra Village Gets Electricity for the First Time After 78 Years

A small village in Maharashtra has finally seen light after living in darkness for nearly eight decades. For the first time since India’s independence, the residents of Varaswadi in Pahari Shahpur taluka, Thane district, now have electricity in their homes.

The milestone was celebrated with firecrackers, smiles, and chants of joy as 15 families witnessed their houses and streets illuminated. For them, electricity symbolized not just convenience, but a chance at a better future.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that the electrification project cost over INR 5 million. The initiative included the installation of 67 poles and a 63 kVA transformer to provide reliable power. Streetlights were also installed, ensuring safety and mobility in the village after sunset.

The project, however, faced significant challenges. Transporting poles and heavy equipment into the remote, forested area proved difficult due to a lack of proper roads. Additional delays came from obtaining clearance from the forest department, which prolonged the process by nearly two years.

For the villagers, the wait was worth it. Having relied on kerosene lamps and firewood for generations, the ability to switch on fans, charge mobile phones, and study under proper lighting is nothing short of transformational. Parents expressed hope that their children will now have better opportunities for education, while others highlighted how electricity will improve healthcare access and open doors for new livelihood options.

The electrification of Varaswadi stands as a reminder of the importance of basic infrastructure in uplifting rural communities. It also underlines how persistent efforts, despite bureaucratic and logistical challenges, can change lives in profound ways. For this small village, the arrival of electricity marks not just progress, but the beginning of a new era of possibilities.