Bhubaneswar: Tata Steel Meramandali (TSM) has reaffirmed its commitment to community welfare and sustainable development by dedicating two major infrastructure projects, the illumination of a 3.6 Kilometre stretch of NH-55 and the renovation of Sarpa village pond, aimed at improving road safety and strengthening water harvesting in the periphery of the plant.
D. B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, and Sudhir Kumar Meheta, Vice President, Operations, Tata Steel Meramandali inaugurated the illumination projects in the presence of local leaders and a large gathering of local community.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the commissioning of a 3.6-km illuminated stretch on National Highway 55, between Itap and Nuahata. The project features 90 streetlights mounted on 9-metre tubular double-arm poles, each equipped with twin 150-watt LED fixtures. The enhanced lighting is expected to significantly improve night-time visibility and bolster road safety for the thousands of commuters who use this busy corridor. Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan had laid the foundation of this project on August 27, 2025.
Tata Steel has also undertaken the renovation of a pond at Sarpa village, spread over 6008 sq. m with a capacity of 20,007.5 KL. Ground breaking ceremony was held for this. The work includes muck disposal, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and concrete slope lining, a 1.5-metre-wide pathway, solar streetlights, and a floating fountain to maintain dissolved oxygen levels.
A staircase and seating area will be added to improve access for villagers and aesthetic value. The project aims to sustain local ecosystems and community well-being. This water body will help recharge groundwater, support biodiversity, and daily use.
In addition to this, a 20-km solar-powered road lighting project from Santri Chowk to Maidharpur, located in elephant-prone areas, is also being undertaken by Tata Steel Foundation.
