Bhubaneswar: In a major push to strengthen Odisha’s power infrastructure, the State Government has approved an investment proposal of Rs 15,948.70 crore for the expansion and modernisation of the power transmission network.
The proposal was approved at an Odisha Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan here on Monday.
Described as the single largest investment in Odisha’s power sector, the initiative aims to create a stronger, more reliable and future-ready transmission system capable of meeting the State’s growing industrial, urban and renewable energy requirements.
A key feature of the proposal is the introduction of a 765-kV transmission network in Odisha for the first time. Three new 765-kV Grid Sub-Stations (GSS) will be established at Khuntuni, Duburi and Kolabira. These are expected to support industrial growth, meet rising domestic demand and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the State grid.
The State will also significantly expand its 400-kV transmission infrastructure. Odisha currently has five 400-kV Grid Sub-Stations, while six more are under implementation. With two additional 400-kV GSSs approved at Kansbahal and Titlagarh, the total number will rise to 13.
The expansion will also extend the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited’s (OPTCL) 400-kV network towards western Odisha beyond Jharsuguda.
The 220-kV network will see another major expansion. According to the government, Odisha had 48 220-kV Grid Sub-Stations as of June 2024. Six have been added over the last two years, while 11 are currently under implementation. With 10 more 220-kV GSSs approved by the Cabinet, the total number is projected to reach 75.
The expanded network is expected to strengthen the 220-kV ring systems in Rourkela, Sambalpur and Bargarh. The 220-kV ring network in Bhubaneswar was completed in March 2026.
The transmission infrastructure will also facilitate the evacuation of electricity generated from floating solar projects at Hirakud and Indravati, as well as ground-mounted solar projects coming up in western and southern Odisha.
The government has also proposed the introduction of AI-based maintenance systems for smarter inspection and predictive maintenance of transmission lines. In addition, 79 existing substations will be upgraded to cater to increasing load demand.
One of the biggest capacity additions will be in transformation capacity. OPTCL’s transformation capacity is proposed to increase from the existing 29,889 MVA to 63,364 MVA, more than doubling the capacity.
The entire OPTCL network will also be automated through Network Automation (STAMS). Remote monitoring and operation will be enabled through four control hubs located at Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Jharsuguda and Balasore.
The Cabinet-approved projects will also substantially increase the transmission line network. The total transmission line network is projected to rise from 17,301 circuit km to 24,186 circuit km, including 3,571 circuit km under ongoing projects and another 3,314 circuit km proposed under the latest approval.
The government said the investment would provide Odisha with a stronger, smarter, more resilient and reliable power transmission network, supporting the State’s industrialisation, urbanisation and renewable energy expansion.
The initiative is being positioned as a significant step towards the State Government’s vision of ‘Viksit Odisha–2036’.
