THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BURLA, JUNE 16, 2026

With lakhs of devotees set to participate in the grand Sital Sasthi celebrations in Sambalpur, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has significantly strengthened the city’s power distribution network, undertaking extensive infrastructure upgrades and safety measures to ensure seamless, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival. The utility has enhanced power infrastructure along key procession routes and major congregation points while deploying round-the-clock monitoring teams and emergency backup systems to support one of Western Odisha’s most revered cultural and religious events.

Recognising the significance of the festival and the large public gatherings associated with it, TPWODL has carried out a comprehensive strengthening of the power distribution network across the city, particularly along the procession routes and major congregation points.

As part of the infrastructure enhancement initiative, TPWODL has installed 76 joist poles and 65 PSC poles and completed nearly 16 circuit kilometres of LT AB cable work in major localities, including Nandapada, Jharuapada, Phasor Club, Rastaliya, Modipada, Pani Tanki, Pattnaik Pada, Thelkopada and the Gol Bazar area. These measures have significantly improved line clearances, ensuring the safe movement of the grand Sital Sasthi processions across various parts of the city.

To further enhance public safety, distribution transformer (DTR) fencing has been completed at 15 high-footfall locations. A special maintenance drive has also been undertaken covering 328 poles along the procession route. During the drive, unsafe cable joints were removed and replaced with authorised insulated blue cables. Distribution boxes (DBs) have been installed on all poles, and service connections have been routed through these boxes, improving both safety and the overall appearance of the city’s power infrastructure.

In addition, TPWODL has put in place a robust contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted power supply throughout the festival period. Dedicated teams will remain deployed round the clock to monitor the network and respond swiftly to any emergency. Two mobile distribution transformers have also been kept on standby for immediate deployment, if required.

Speaking on the occasion, TPWODL CEO Parveen Verma said, “Sital Sasthi is not just a festival; it is an emotion that brings together lakhs of people across Western Odisha. At TPWODL, we are committed to ensuring that devotees can celebrate this sacred occasion safely and without any disruption. Our teams have worked extensively to strengthen the power network and implement enhanced safety measures so that citizens can enjoy the festivities with complete peace of mind.”

TPWODL reiterated its commitment to delivering reliable power supply and maintaining the highest standards of safety while supporting the cultural and social fabric of the communities it serves.