Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards making Bhubaneswar’s power supply system world-class, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated three new Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) grid substations and eight vital transmission lines at Balianta.
The projects are expected to provide reliable, high-quality and uninterrupted electricity to lakhs of consumers in the capital and surrounding areas. The three new substations — 220/132/33 kV GIS at Balianta, 132/33 kV GIS at Satyanagar, and 132/33 kV GIS at SCB Medical College, Cuttack — have been developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 600 crore. These facilities will directly benefit approximately 22 lakh consumers in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and nearby regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that although the projects were approved years ago, they could not progress due to pending court cases and other hurdles. After the new government assumed office, these issues were resolved on priority, and work began about a year ago. In a short span of one year, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) successfully completed four major power projects, including the Nayapalli grid substation which became operational last year.
“Where there is a strong will, the impossible becomes possible,” the Chief Minister remarked, highlighting the government’s firm resolve to deliver world-class power infrastructure to the people of the capital. He noted that Bhubaneswar’s current power demand of around 1000 MW is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching 2000 MW by 2030, making these upgrades essential for future growth.
The new GIS substations and associated transmission lines will ensure stable and reliable power supply, supporting rapid development in industry, business, IT sector and urban life. The Chief Minister added that Odisha’s power system is being modernized in line with the Digital India vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For the first time in the state, digital grid substations have been established, and plans are underway to develop a 765 kV transmission system for the capital region. He further informed that multiple feeder lines will soon connect Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, providing alternative power sources and greater redundancy. OPTCL has achieved a unique distinction in the country by remotely operating 70 grid substations, enabling better monitoring, faster fault resolution and efficient use of manpower.
After reviewing the ground situation, the Chief Minister directed Tata Power to provide three additional feeders for areas including Bhingarpur, Uttampur Gangeswar, Pandara, Jagannath Nagar, Mangaraj, Palasuni and adjoining localities to resolve low-voltage issues.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister KV Singh Deo said the government has fulfilled its promise to the people. “This grid substation will act as a new source of energy for Bhubaneswar and Balianta. People will no longer face voltage problems. We seek continued cooperation from local residents for smooth implementation of such projects,” he added.
The Balianta substation has established strong power connectivity with Cuttack and Mancheswar, while the Satyanagar substation, the first of its kind in the city centre, will cater to the rising demand in urban areas. The SCB Medical College substation will ensure uninterrupted power for critical healthcare services.
The Chief Minister also touched upon river restoration initiatives and announced that works under Sanjeevani Yojana for Prachi, Dhanua and Daya rivers and Daya West Canal will commence soon with sanctioned funds of Rs 300 crore, Rs 75 crore, Rs 170 crore and Rs 400 crore respectively. These timely initiatives are set to transform Bhubaneswar into a modern, energy-secure capital, paving the way for sustainable urban and industrial growth.
