THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BALESWAR, MARCH 2, 2026

TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Odisha Government, has set up five state-of-the-art Skill Development Centres across northern Odisha, aimed at strengthening the practical technical and safety capabilities of its workforce, business associates, and aspiring ITI students. Equipped with advanced training infrastructure, these centres offer hands-on exposure to safe work practices, modern power distribution technologies, and sophisticated electrical techniques, nurturing a strong culture of operational excellence and safety in the sector.

In the previous year, the centres trained 354 government ITI electrician students from five districts, while more than 440 students have participated in training and awareness programmes during the current financial year. The initiative has also significantly upskilled the company’s internal workforce, with over 4,000 employees trained last year and a notable 13,877 employees of TPNODL and its partner organisations benefitting from various training modules this year. Overall, the centres have conducted more than 600 structured training programmes, including 235 dedicated to safety and 374 focused on electrical operations, highlighting the company’s sustained emphasis on technical proficiency and workplace safety.

The Skill Development Centres have drawn positive feedback from students, who have lauded the practical orientation and industry-led safety instruction. Strengthening its employment-linked training approach, TPNODL has rolled out the ‘Train to Hire’ programme, providing campus-based technical training to electrical trade students from regional government diploma institutions, with a clear pathway to potential employment within the organisation.

Nilesh Potphode, Chief of Operation Services, TPNODL, stated that the company remains committed to delivering reliable and high-quality power supply while prioritising the safety of both employees and consumers. He emphasised that the Skill Development Centres are strategically designed to enhance the competencies of Odisha’s youth, contribute to the growth of the state’s energy ecosystem, and create meaningful employability opportunities for technically skilled students.

The measurable outcomes and growing participation reflect TPNODL’s strong commitment to capacity building and operational excellence. With continued investments in workforce development and youth skilling, the company is reinforcing its mission to deliver efficient, dependable, and quality electricity services across northern Odisha while shaping a future-ready talent pool for the power distribution sector.