Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a 420/220 kV grid substation at Barbil in Keonjhar district, to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,647 crore, as part of a major push to strengthen the state’s power infrastructure and industrial capacity.
The project was launched on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das. On the occasion, the Chief Minister said Keonjhar will be developed as the “second Jamshedpur” of eastern India, given its mineral resources and industrial potential.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated five new transmission lines, including a substation for Uchchabali and Keonjhar, aimed at significantly strengthening the region’s power distribution network. The projects are expected to benefit around 7.17 lakh consumers across Keonjhar Sadar, Telkoi, Jhumpura, Joda, and Barbil.
Stressing the importance of reliable electricity in driving development, the Chief Minister said uninterrupted and quality power supply is essential for a developed society. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Keonjhar into a major industrial hub leveraging its mineral wealth.
Highlighting key infrastructure features, the Chief Minister said the region will be integrated into a robust transmission network through the 400 kV LILO line, TTPS–Joda, and Turumunga–Rairangpur lines, ensuring a balance between industrial demand and domestic consumption.
To prevent power disruptions, the government will implement a hotline maintenance system, enabling repair works without shutting down power supply. “There will be no need for power cuts during maintenance work,” the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising smart energy governance, he said Odisha is moving towards full digitalisation of its power sector. The upcoming State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) at Mancheswar will function as the central hub of power management, while 70 grids will be remotely monitored under the STAMS project for faster fault resolution.
The Chief Minister further stated that Odisha’s power infrastructure has witnessed exponential growth, with consumer numbers rising from 16 lakh in 2000 to nearly one crore at present. To meet future demand, 34 new grid substations will be established by 2036, including 765 kV grid systems at Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, and Gajapati.
He also informed that major industrial infrastructure projects, including a proposed mega steel plant by Japan’s JFE Steel and a planned ring road, are in the pipeline for Keonjhar. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at preparing the district’s infrastructure for the next 20 years of industrial expansion.
Reaffirming his commitment to the district’s development, the Chief Minister said Keonjhar has long contributed to Odisha’s prosperity and must now receive its rightful share of growth. “Keonjhar will be turned into a golden land of development through its mineral strength,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also attended the event, said the state government is working to strengthen power infrastructure across Odisha. He noted that the new grid substation will improve supply not only in Keonjhar but also in Sundargarh, Angul, and Boinda regions. He further expressed confidence that Odisha will overcome power shortages by 2028.
Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Telkoi MLA Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, OPTCL CMD Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, and District Collector Vishal Singh were present at the event.
