THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 2, 2026

TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has completed extensive power infrastructure preparations to ensure a safe, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply during the world-renowned Rath Yatra 2026 in Puri.

With millions of devotees expected to converge on the pilgrim city for the annual chariot festival, the power distribution utility has significantly reinforced its network through comprehensive maintenance of substations, transformers, underground cables and overhead power lines. The distribution system has also been strengthened to cater to the sharp rise in electricity demand during the festival, ensuring seamless power supply across all key locations.

As part of its festival preparedness, TPCODL has made special arrangements to provide uninterrupted electricity to the Shree Jagannath Temple and other critical locations associated with Rath Yatra. Additional backup systems have been put in place to facilitate quick restoration in the unlikely event of any power disruption, ensuring uninterrupted services throughout the celebrations.

Placing public safety at the forefront, the company has undertaken extensive electrical safety inspections across Badadanda (Grand Road), beach areas and other high-footfall zones in close coordination with the local administration. Preventive measures have also been implemented at various electrical installations to safeguard devotees, residents and visitors during the festival.

To ensure swift response to any power-related contingency, TPCODL will operate a central Master Control Room, supported by dedicated control rooms across Puri. More than 800 trained personnel, including engineers and field staff, will remain deployed round the clock in shifts to continuously monitor the network and address any operational issues without delay.

The company has also positioned adequate stocks of emergency materials and equipment at strategic locations across the city to facilitate rapid restoration work whenever required. In addition, arrangements have been made to provide temporary power connections for various festival-related activities.

Going beyond power supply management, TPCODL will deploy mobile medical units equipped with doctors and healthcare teams to offer free medical assistance to devotees during the festival, further strengthening its public service initiatives.

TPCODL CEO Gajanan S. Kale said, "Rath Yatra is one of Odisha's most revered festivals, drawing millions of devotees from across the globe. Our teams have worked extensively to strengthen the power network, enhance safety measures and establish a robust response mechanism. We remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted power supply and supporting the smooth and safe conduct of this grand celebration."

With strengthened infrastructure, dedicated manpower, enhanced safety protocols and a comprehensive emergency response system in place, TPCODL has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable power services throughout Rath Yatra 2026. The extensive preparations are expected to contribute significantly to the smooth conduct of the festival while ensuring a safe and memorable experience for devotees, residents and visitors alike.