The Odisha Cabinet, in its recent session, has greenlit a proposal to undertake 21 new transmission projects and upgrades within a five-year timeframe under phase-II of the Odisha Transmission System Strengthening Programme. These projects will receive 30% equity support from the state government and will be executed by the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), designated as the State Transmission Utility (STU) responsible for establishing essential infrastructure for efficient power transmission.
Chief Secretary P K Jena emphasized the necessity of developing new grid sub-stations and enhancing existing transmission infrastructure in response to the emergence of numerous power-intensive industries in the state and the overall increase in power demand.
Under phase-I of the Odisha Transmission System Strengthening Programme (OTSSP), OPTCL is currently undertaking the construction of eight grid sub-stations (GSSs) and associated transmission lines, despite their lack of financial viability.
To ensure consistent and dependable power supply to upcoming industrial zones like Paradeep Plastic Park, Angul Aluminium Park, Bhadrak Textile Park, Neulapoi Industrial Estate, and to meet the escalating demand, OPTCL has proposed the establishment of six new grid sub-stations, upgrades to existing GSSs and transmission lines, and the implementation of Sub-station Automation Systems (SAS) under phase-II of OTSSP, which are financially viable.
The estimated cost of this phase amounts to Rs. 1845.76 crore, with the state government contributing 30% (Rs. 553.73 crore) as equity, and the remaining 70% (Rs. 1292.03 crore) to be financed by OPTCL. These projects fall under the purview of the Chief Minister’s Power Development Programme (CMPDP) and are slated for implementation over a five-year period, spanning from the fiscal year 2023-24 to 2027-28.