Regional Testing Laboratory

The development of India’s electrical and power equipment industry, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI)’s Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL) in Nashik on September 10, 2025. Developed under the Ministry of Power, this Regional Testing Laboratory is a major step toward expanding India’s national testing infrastructure, especially for industries in the western region.

The Regional Testing Laboratory aims to provide world-class electrical testing services for a wide range of power sector equipment, including transformers, energy meters, smart meters, and transformer oil. These components are essential for the smooth functioning of modern electricity grids.

Strategic Significance of the Regional Testing Laboratory in Nashik

The Regional Testing Laboratory, Nashik, is the latest addition to CPRI’s network of premier testing facilities across India. Its location has been strategically chosen to:

• Serve western states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Reduce turnaround time for power equipment testing and certification processes.

• Enhance quality control and support faster procurement for utilities.

• Support regional industries, particularly MSMEs in electrical manufacturing.

This initiative is expected to streamline supply chains, ensure product quality, and contribute to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission, empowering India to become self-reliant in the power sector.

Role of CPRI and Broader Impact

The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Power and is India’s leading body for testing, certification, and R&D in electrical equipment. The addition of the CPRI Regional Testing Laboratory under the Ministry of Power demonstrates the government’s commitment to:

• Expanding regional testing capabilities.

• Promoting clean, reliable, and energy-efficient power infrastructure.

• Accelerating compliance with industrial standards.

The Regional Testing Laboratory will also support India’s efforts in developing smart grid technologies and international standard certifications, enabling Indian manufacturers to compete globally. This includes providing services through the testing and certification lab for smart meters in Nashik and the transformer and energy meter testing laboratory in Maharashtra.

Facilities and Services at the Regional Testing Laboratory

The Regional Testing Laboratory for transformers in Nashik is equipped with cutting-edge tools for various testing services:

• CPRI lab for high-voltage testing of transformers.

• Smart meter testing facility for accuracy and reliability certification.

• Energy meter certification lab to meet national and international standards.

• Transformer oil testing lab for evaluating insulation and dielectric properties.

In addition, the power equipment testing facility in western India ensures timely testing and certification, which benefits both government utilities and private industries. The state-of-the-art testing facility for power sector equipment ensures that Indian manufacturers maintain global quality standards.

Government Objectives and Future Prospects

The Regional Testing Laboratory, Nashi, aligns with broader government objectives:

1. Strengthening government-certified electrical testing labs in India.

2. Supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission through enhanced regional infrastructure.

3. Encouraging MSMEs to adopt modern electrical equipment testing standards.

4. Reducing delays in power lab services by decentralizing testing facilities.

By providing faster certification for equipment like transformers, energy meters, and smart meters, the Regional Testing Laboratory will significantly reduce dependency on distant facilities and support regional industrial growth.

Key Facts and Takeaways

• Inaugurated By: Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power & Housing

• Facility Name: Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL), Nashik

• Administered By: Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), under the Ministry of Power

• Location: Nashik, Maharashtra

• Purpose: Testing of transformers, smart meters, energy meters, and transformer oil

The establishment of this CPRI testing facility highlights India’s focus on quality assurance in electrical equipment and strengthens the Ministry of Power's lab network across the country.

Final Thoughts

Regional Testing Laboratory (RTL) in Nashik, inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on September 10, 2025, marks a significant development in India’s power sector. Established under the Ministry of Power and administered by the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), the lab provides advanced electrical testing services for transformers, smart meters, energy meters, and transformer oil. Strategically located to serve western India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, the lab aims to reduce certification turnaround time and strengthen quality control.

It supports regional industries, particularly MSMEs, by ensuring faster testing and certification of power equipment. The facility also aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, promoting self-reliance in critical power infrastructure.

By offering services like the smart meter testing facility and energy meter certification lab, the RTL enhances industrial standards, contributes to clean energy initiatives, and helps Indian manufacturers meet global quality benchmarks.