Site Visit Report: AEML Transmission Yard, Aarey & SCADA Centre, Powai

The students of MBA Infrastructure Development and Management at SCMHRD recently visited the Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) Transmission Yard at Aarey and the SCADA Systems Centre at Powai as part of our experiential learning curriculum. The visit provided a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of urban electricity transmission and real-time network management that keep a city like Mumbai powered and resilient.

Learning Highlights

• Power Transmission Architecture: Students gained insights into how high-voltage power (220 kV) enters Mumbai, is stepped down in transformation stages (220/33/11 kV), and is distributed to consumers through a robust network of substations and transformers designed to minimize losses and ensure reliability.
• Hands-On Exposure at Aarey Transmission Yard: The site showcased bulk power transformers, advanced switchgear, and detailed safety/operational protocols. Students observed transformer operations, protection systems, earthing, and battery backup arrangements that are crucial for maintaining power quality and safety.​
• Real-Time Grid Management via SCADA: At the Powai Centre, the batch experienced the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system which monitors and controls the entire transmission and distribution network up to 11 kV in real time. The integration with GIS enables the control room to visualize faults, outages, and load flows across the Mumbai grid. Students learned how real-time data analytics are driving operational excellence and rapid restoration in case of failures.​
• Operational Best Practices: Key discussions covered loss minimization strategies (using high-voltage transmission), open-ring distribution networks for grid resilience, prioritization of critical loads, stringent alarm management, and the pivotal coordination with the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) for city-wide grid stability.

Impact & Reflections

The visit bridged the gap between classroom theory and field operations, enhancing the managerial and technical acumen of our students. Observing the interplay of digital control (SCADA/GIS), robust engineering, and disciplined field protocols strengthened our understanding of city-scale infrastructure reliability. It was an enriching exposure for all, preparing us to tackle future challenges in urban infrastructure management.

We extend our gratitude to the teams at Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited for their hospitality and for sharing valuable industry knowledge with SCMHRD students.