TPSODL Strengthens Power Network in Odisha’s Malkangiri
Malkangiri has historically posed operational challenges due to its geographical location and dispersed population.
Berhampur (Odisha): TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), a major power distribution entity in Odisha, has undertaken a series of network-strengthening initiatives in Malkangiri district to ensure greater reliability, resilience, and accessibility of power supply in one of Odisha’s most remote service areas. Executed over the past few months, these measures aim to overcome recurring supply disruptions and build a stronger backbone for critical services and rural households across the district.
Malkangiri has historically posed operational challenges due to its geographical location and dispersed population. To address these, TPSODL has implemented systematic upgrades across substations, feeders, and distribution lines. At the K Gumma substation, redundancy has been created to address the risks associated with single-transformer dependency, significantly reducing the possibility of widespread outages and ensuring continuous supply to dependent areas. In Balimela and Maithili, transformer capacities have been upgraded to 5 MVA, strengthening load management and meeting the increasing demand of consumers.
Supply reliability at the 33 kV level has also been improved through feeder strengthening and connectivity enhancements. This includes linking Khairaput school to a dedicated line and reinforcing distribution in areas surrounding the Chitrakonda reservoir, which are particularly vulnerable to seasonal stresses. Additionally, TPSODL has extended and reinforced 11 kV lines to reach deeper into habitations such as K Gumma, Chitrakonda, Pandripani, Bajrangi Colony, and Bandiguda. These extensions are designed to improve last-mile delivery and reduce the time taken to restore supply during breakdowns or natural disturbances.
The impact of these upgrades goes beyond technical performance. Reliable electricity is enabling households to access quality lighting and domestic services, schools and hostels to run smoothly, and anganwadis and health sub-centres to function without disruption. Agricultural pumps and small businesses in remote areas are also benefiting from greater supply stability, contributing to livelihoods and local economic activity.
For the tribal communities residing in Malkangiri—including the Koya, Bhumia, Paraja, Bonda, and Didayi—these improvements are expected to make a substantial difference in daily life. Dependable electricity in these clusters is not just a utility but a critical enabler of education, healthcare, social welfare schemes, and income generation.
Speaking on the initiative, Amit Kumar Garg, Chief Executive Officer of TPSODL, said, “Malkangiri’s geography presents unique challenges for power distribution. Through systematic upgrades, we are building a resilient network that supports education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community development. Reliable power supply in such areas is not just about electricity—it is about empowering people and enabling progress.”
