New Delhi/Nashik: The Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday inaugurated the Central Power Research Institute’s (CPRI) state-of-the-art Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL) in Nashik. According to an official statement, this facility is poised to bolster India’s power sector by providing advanced testing and certification services for electrical equipment.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Girish Mahajan, senior officials from the Ministry of Power, CPRI leadership, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and representatives from the power and electrical industry were present.
Strategically located to serve industries across western India, RTL Nashik will offer testing services for transformers, energy meters, smart meters, and transformer oil, among others. Officials said the lab will help cut down turnaround times for testing and certification, ensuring faster procurement cycles for utilities while strengthening the quality assurance ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Khattar underlined the importance of robust testing infrastructure in achieving self-reliance and competitiveness in the power sector. “CPRI has been instrumental in offering world-class testing and research services aligned with global standards. The Nashik facility will further accelerate India’s power sector growth and support our ambition of technological advancement,” he said.
Chief Minister Fadnavis described the facility as a “major boost” for Maharashtra’s electrical industry, noting that it would support the state’s expanding infrastructure needs. Bhujbal highlighted its role in strengthening rural development and state policies, while Mahajan stressed its importance in ensuring quality standards in the power sector and creating opportunities for rural communities.
CPRI Director General Asit Singh welcomed the dignitaries and called the commissioning of RTL Nashik a “significant milestone” in expanding the country’s testing capabilities. “This facility will not only address industry requirements but also foster R&D in power sector equipment testing,” he added.
The new laboratory is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s power infrastructure, reducing dependency on external testing facilities, and promoting faster adoption of advanced technologies.
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