Odisha discoms unveil “Odisha 2.0” with innovative ‘Training on Wheels’ initiative to drive safety and skill development across the state

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 6, 2025

Odisha’s power distribution companies (discoms) have embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of “Odisha 2.0”, a comprehensive initiative focused on holistic development, safety, and employee well-being under the guiding theme “Care Beyond Power – Because People Matter.”

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo inaugurated the flagship project “Training on Wheels” under Odisha 2.0 at the Power Distribution Technology Centre, Bhubaneswar. The event was graced by Digapahandi MLA Sidhant Mohapatra, Korei MLA Akash Das Nayak, Ollywood actress Anu Choudhury, Odisha Distribution Business Chief & TPNODL CEO Gajanan Kale, and TPCODL CEO Arvind Singh.

Odisha 2.0 brings together a suite of people-centric projects — including Training on Wheels, State-of-the-Art Office Infrastructure, Employee Connect, Touching Lives of Business Associates, Door-Step Medical Facilities, and Sports at the Grassroots Level. Each initiative is designed to reinforce the Discoms’ vision of creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities across Odisha.

Launched as the first initiative under Odisha 2.0, “Training on Wheels” is a collaborative effort between Odisha Discoms and TPSDI. The project has been conceptualized to take high-quality training infrastructure to employees’ doorsteps across the state’s vast 1.54 lakh sq. km service area, covering 743 sections. By bringing training directly to Fuse Call Centres (FCCs) and Power Sub-Station (PSS) locations, the programme ensures that even personnel in the most remote regions receive essential skill and safety training.

The mobile training modules will focus on Electrical Safety, Behavioural Safety, Essential Safety Practices, Technical Training, Safety While Working at Height, and First Aid & Emergency Management. Through this initiative, Odisha Discoms aim to significantly enhance safety awareness, ensure adherence to technical standards, and make learning accessible across diverse geographies.

“This initiative of *Training on Wheels* will go a long way in enhancing the technical skills of our field personnel. The effort taken by Odisha Discoms is truly commendable, and I wish the team all the very best for this initiative,” said Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

Reflecting on the milestone, Gajanan Kale, Chief of Odisha Power Distribution Business and CEO of TPNODL, said: “As all four Odisha Discoms complete five years in the state, we have achieved numerous milestones. Now, with Odisha 2.0, we embark on the next phase of transformation. The Training on Wheels initiative is a cornerstone of this vision — aimed at reaching linemen, helpers, and field staff at the grassroots to empower them with essential safety and technical skills.”

Project Mentor and TPCODL CEO Arvind Singh added: “Odisha 2.0 reflects our belief that true progress lies in caring for people as much as in powering the state. Training on Wheels is a unique step to make safety and technical learning accessible to every corner of Odisha. It’s a stride towards building a sustainable culture of safety that benefits both our workforce and the communities we serve.”

With the rollout of Odisha 2.0 and its flagship Training on Wheels project, the state’s Discoms have reaffirmed their commitment to driving inclusive growth, fostering safety excellence, and empowering the workforce that lights up Odisha every day.