Burla: Strengthening electricity supply for households, communities and industry, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) has completed nine power distribution infrastructure projects with an investment of approximately Rs 2.11 crore across Raurkela and the Joda–Tensa–Barsuan mining belt.
The projects focus on strengthening network connectivity, upgrading ageing infrastructure and replacing bare low-tension conductors with aerial bunched (AB) cables. Together, they are expected to benefit thousands of consumers while improving distribution network resilience and public safety, TPWODL said in a statement.
The largest project, involving an investment of Rs 1.4 crore, strengthens power infrastructure across the Joda–Tensa–Barsuan mining belt. By replacing an ageing 33 kV overhead line, upgrading poles and conductors, laying an 11 kV underground cable through an industrial tunnel and establishing backup connectivity between Barsuan Power Station and Tensa Power Substation, the project addresses vulnerabilities in a nearly 60-year-old line. Executed in coordination with SAIL Mines and other stakeholders despite forest-clearance challenges, the upgrade is designed to support more reliable power supply for mining operations, industries, residential colonies and surrounding communities amid growing electricity demand.
In Basanti Colony, six completed projects involving an investment of Rs 31.1 lakh have converted approximately 7.5 circuit-km of bare low-tension conductors to AB cables. The upgrades are expected to benefit 1,430 consumers by strengthening the local distribution network, improving its resilience to external damage and enhancing public safety.
In Raurkela, TPWODL invested approximately Rs 25 lakh in constructing the 11 kV Shakti Nagar underground feeder and establishing backup connectivity between the Jamshera and Jhirpani feeders. This provides an alternative supply route during faults or maintenance, benefiting nearly 3,000 consumers in Shakti Nagar, Jhirpani, Jamshera, Jagda and surrounding areas. The underground feeder also remained operational during the Kalbaisakhi storm in summer, helping minimise service disruptions and support restoration efforts.
TPWODL has also completed an AB cable project at Kalinga Vihar, Rourkela, at a cost of approximately Rs 15 lakh. Covering 1.7 km, the installation is expected to strengthen the local distribution network, reduce technical losses and enhance public safety, benefiting around 750 consumers in Co-operative Colony.
Speaking on the development, Parveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said, “Strengthening power reliability and ensuring consumer safety remain central to our efforts to modernise the distribution network. Through focused infrastructure investments, improved network connectivity and targeted upgrades, we are building a safer and more resilient power system that can meet the growing needs of consumers, support industrial development and contribute to the socio-economic progress of Western Odisha.”
Through these projects, TPWODL continues to modernise its distribution infrastructure, address local network constraints and support the evolving electricity needs of consumers and industries across the region.
