Odisha is redefining power resilience and OPTCL stands at the center of this transformation. In a state frequently challenged by cyclones, OPTCL is engi-neering a next-generation transmission network built on underground cabling, Wind Zone-6 towers, and rapid-response restoration systems. But the shift is not only structural—it is digital. With India’s first pro-cess-bus-based substation, remote-operated control centres, and AI-driven predictive maintenance, OPT-CL is evolving into a smart, self-healing grid operator. Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director of the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), shares more in an exclusive interaction with Abhineet Kumar & Elma Fatima of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts
Odisha is uniquely vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones. What is the next major technological leap OPTCL is planning to transform the transmission network into a truly disaster-resilient and self-healing smart grid?
The coastal region of Odisha is vulnerable to severe cyclonic storms and floods. Past cyclones such as the Super Cyclone, Fani, Phailin, Hudhud, and Titli have caused extensive damage to transmission infrastructure. To mitigate such risks, OPTCL has redesigned its towers to comply with Wind Zone 6 standards, significantly enhancing structural strength as part of its Disaster Resilient Infrastructure program. This upgraded design has already been adopted in the 400 kV Ersama–New Duburi line, 220 kV Ersama–Pratapsasan line, and 220 kV Ersama–Paradeep line.
To further strengthen resilience, OPTCL has deployed 132 kV underground (UG) cables in the State Capital Region for several key corridors: Chandaka–Mancheswar, Mancheswar–Nayapalli, Nayapalli–Unit-8, Chandaka–Unit-8, and Mancheswar A–Mancheswar B. All existing and upcoming Grid Sub-Stations (GSS) such as Balianta, Satyanagar, and Badagada will be interconnected through a fully UG-cabled system. As UG systems remain unaffected during cyclones, severe storms will have minimal impact on the capital region’s power supply.
UG cable works are also progressing in other coastal areas to enhance disaster resilience, including the 132 kV Berhampur–Narendrapur line and the 132 kV Puri–Samagara line, with additional UG projects planned for Berhampur, Chhatrapur, and adjoining regions.
OPTCL is a pioneer in Emergency Restoration Systems (ERS) and maintains an inventory of ERS towers up to the 400 kV level. ERS towers played a crucial role in the rapid restoration of the 132 kV Chandaka–Nimapada line after Cyclone Fani.
A robust inventory of tower materials, insulators, conductors, and mobile emergency lighting systems is maintained to ensure immediate restoration capability, enabling OPTCL to respond swiftly after extreme weather events.
As OPTCL transitions to a highly digitised and intelligent transmission company, the skill gap can become a critical bottleneck. What human resource and skilling initiatives is OPTCL undertaking to train engineers and technicians in digital substations, AI-driven asset management, and advanced cyber-security protocols?
OPTCL has already commissioned India’s first process-bus-based 132/33 kV digital substation by any State Transmission Utility, located at Agalpur Rampur in Balangir district. This marks a major milestone in the shift toward full digitalisation.
To support this shift, the State Transmission Asset Management Centre (STAMC) has been established to enable centralised remote monitoring and control of substations across Odisha. The main control centre at Chandaka currently operates 22 substations remotely, with a backup centre under development at Lapanga. Additionally, four regional control centres are being set up at Chandaka, Lapanga, Balesore, and Narendrapur to further expand remote operations capabilities.
Odisha follows a structured planning framework for future-ready power infrastructure. DISCOMs prepare five-year load forecasts, while OPTCL develops a ten-year perspective plan, and GRIDCO forecasts renewable and non-renewable generation to meet projected demand.
This coordinated approach ensures the grid evolves in line with rapid industrial growth and renewable energy integration.
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OPTCL is increasingly deploying Artificial Intelligence to improve system reliability and operational efficiency. AI-driven tools are being used for better load forecasting and real-time grid analytics, and plans are underway for predictive and condition-based transmission line maintenance—critical for creating a self-healing grid architecture.
To ensure minimal interruptions for large industrial consumers, OPTCL is adopting hotline stringing techniques. Dedicated field personnel are being trained in conductor stringing, hardware replacement, and insulator replacement without requiring long outages.
This will accelerate project implementation and strengthen reliability for industries connected to bulk transmission networks.