Odisha Approves INR 15,948 Crore Power Transmission Investment

The Odisha government has approved power transmission projects worth INR 15,948.70 crore, the largest investment in the state’s power sector, to expand and modernise its transmission network.

The projects, approved by the state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, are aimed at meeting rising industrial and domestic electricity demand, supporting renewable energy integration and improving power reliability across the state.

Under the Mukhya Mantri Shakti Bikash Yojana, Odisha will introduce a 765 kV transmission network for the first time, with three new grid substations planned at Khuntuni, Duburi and Kolabira.

The state has also approved two new 400 kV grid substations at Kansbahal and Titlagarh. This will take the total number of 400 kV substations in Odisha to 13.

In addition, 10 new 220 kV grid substations have been approved, taking the total number of such substations to 75. The projects are expected to help complete the 220 kV ring network in Rourkela, Sambalpur and Bargarh.

The expanded transmission network will also support power evacuation from proposed floating solar projects at Hirakud and Indravati, along with ground mounted solar parks in western and southern Odisha.

Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. will introduce AI based inspection and predictive maintenance systems and upgrade 79 existing substations. Its transformation capacity is expected to more than double from 29,889 MVA to 63,364 MVA.

The state government will contribute INR 4,785 crore in equity, while OPTCL will borrow INR 11,164 crore for the investment. The entire transmission network will also be brought under a Network Automation System for remote monitoring and operations.