THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BURLA,
OCTOBER 14, 2026
TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited
(TPWODL) has invested ₹2.11
crore in nine power distribution infrastructure projects across Rourkela and
the Joda–Tensa–Barsuan mining belt to improve supply reliability, strengthen
network resilience and enhance public safety amid
rising electricity demand.
The projects,
undertaken by the joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of
Odisha, include the replacement of ageing power lines, the installation of
aerial bunched (AB) cables, the construction of underground feeders and the
establishment of alternative supply routes. The upgrades are expected to
benefit thousands of consumers, while supporting industrial operations and
residential communities across the region.
The largest project,
involving an investment of ₹1.4
crore, focuses on strengthening the distribution network in the
Joda–Tensa–Barsuan mining belt. It includes the replacement of an ageing 33 kV
overhead line, the upgrading of poles and conductors, the laying of an 11 kV
underground
cable through an industrial tunnel, and the creation of backup connectivity
between Barsuan Power Station and Tensa Power Substation.
The project addresses
vulnerabilities in a nearly 60-year-old line and is intended to improve the
reliability of power supply to mining operations, industries, residential
colonies and neighbouring communities. Executed in coordination with SAIL Mines
and other stakeholders, the work was carried out despite challenges related to
forest clearance.
In Basanti Colony,
six projects costing ₹31.1
lakh have replaced approximately 7.5 circuit-km of bare low-tension conductors
with AB cables. The upgrades are expected to benefit 1,430 consumers by
improving the resilience of the local distribution network and reducing exposure
to external damage, thereby enhancing public safety.
In another
initiative, TPWODL invested approximately ₹25 lakh in constructing the 11 kV Shakti Nagar
underground feeder and establishing backup connectivity between the Jamshera
and Jhirpani feeders. The additional supply route is
expected to help maintain electricity supply during faults and scheduled
maintenance, benefiting nearly 3,000 consumers in Shakti Nagar, Jhirpani,
Jamshera, Jagda and adjoining areas.
The underground
feeder also remained operational during a Kalbaisakhi storm earlier in the
summer, helping minimise disruptions and facilitate restoration efforts.
At Kalinga Vihar in
Rourkela, the company completed an AB cable installation project costing
approximately ₹15 lakh.
The 1.7-km installation is expected to strengthen the local
distribution network, reduce technical losses and improve public safety,
benefiting around 750 consumers in Co-operative Colony.
“Strengthening power reliability and ensuring
consumer safety remain central to our efforts to modernise the distribution
network. Through focused infrastructure investments, improved network
connectivity and targeted upgrades, we are building a safer and more resilient
power system that can meet the growing needs of consumers, support industrial
development and contribute to the socio-economic progress of Western Odisha,”
said Parveen Verma, Chief Executive Officer of TPWODL.
The projects form part of the company’s efforts to address local distribution constraints, modernise ageing infrastructure and improve the reliability of electricity supply to households, businesses and industries across western Odisha.
TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited is a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, which hold 51 per cent and 49 per cent stakes, respectively. The company is responsible for electricity distribution and retail supply across nine districts of western Odisha, serving more than two million consumers over a distribution area of approximately 48,000 sq km.
