Cyclone Arnab: Tata Power-led Odisha discoms restore over 97pc power supply in 48 hours, mobilise 29,000 personnel

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 31, 2026

Demonstrating remarkable operational preparedness and swift disaster response, Tata Power-led Odisha power distribution companies have restored electricity to more than 97 per cent of consumers affected by Cyclone Arnab within 48 hours of the storm's landfall on October 28, bringing relief to lakhs of households across the state.

Of the 40.91 lakh consumers affected by the cyclone, power supply has been restored to 39.74 lakh, with restoration work nearing completion in the worst-hit pockets of southern Odisha. The massive recovery operation involved the mobilisation of more than 29,000 personnel, including linemen, engineers and field crews, who worked round the clock despite challenging weather and difficult ground conditions.

Cyclone Arnab, which battered Odisha with wind speeds gusting up to 150 kmph and rainfall exceeding 500 mm in parts of southern Odisha, affected 17 districts, leaving extensive damage to the electricity distribution infrastructure. Fallen trees, damaged electricity poles, snapped conductors, waterlogged roads and flooding posed significant challenges to restoration teams.

Undeterred by the difficult conditions, field personnel swung into action as soon as the weather subsided, clearing debris, replacing damaged infrastructure and restoring power lines, feeders and substations, including in several flood-affected and inaccessible areas.

The rapid restoration was underpinned by extensive advance preparations undertaken by the Discoms ahead of the cyclone. Business Continuity and Disaster Management Plans were activated, 24x7 control rooms established and rapid-response teams deployed across the state. The electricity network was monitored round the clock through Power Distribution Technology Centres at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur to facilitate quick identification of faults and coordinated restoration efforts.

As part of the preparedness measures, the Discoms mobilised more than 29,000 personnel and strategically positioned over 2,800 distribution transformers, 41,000 electricity poles, 8,500 km of conductors, 35 mobile substations and 1,200 vehicles. Additional equipment and essential materials were stocked at local stores to ensure uninterrupted availability during emergency restoration operations. Consumers were also issued safety advisories before and during the cyclone.

TPCODL, TPNODL and TPWODL have achieved 100 per cent restoration in their respective operational areas, while electricity supply has been fully restored in 23 of Odisha's 30 districts.

In southern Odisha, the worst-affected region, TPSODL has restored electricity to more than 16.7 lakh consumers, accounting for over 93 per cent of the affected consumers across its eight-district operational area. More than 6,400 personnel remain deployed on the ground, with restoration teams intensifying efforts in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, which bore the brunt of the cyclone. The remaining affected connections are expected to be restored through the ongoing final phase of operations.

The swift recovery also reflects sustained investments made by Tata Power-led Discoms in strengthening Odisha's electricity distribution infrastructure against extreme weather events. Over the years, the companies have expanded substations and transformer capacity, introduced real-time network monitoring systems through Power Distribution Technology Centres and strengthened local supply chains through vendors and strategically located stores. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the ability to identify faults, isolate damaged sections and restore electricity in a phased and coordinated manner during natural disasters.

Commenting on the restoration efforts, Gajanan Kale, Chief – Odisha Distribution Business, Tata Power, and CEO, TPCODL, said, "Our linemen and field teams have worked day and night, in some of the toughest conditions we have seen, to bring power back to homes, hospitals and essential services. We thank them, the State Government and district administrations for their support, and our consumers for their patience. Our teams will stay on the ground until every affected consumer is restored."

The Discoms continue to maintain heightened vigilance until power supply is restored to every affected consumer. Residents have been advised to stay away from snapped electricity wires and damaged electrical installations and immediately report power outages or electrical hazards through the 24x7 consumer helpline 1912.