In Short : Odisha has requested ₹3,069 crore from the Centre under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to develop disaster-resilient power infrastructure, including underground cabling in cyclone-prone coastal areas. Deputy CM K V Singh Deo also sought an 800 MW power allocation from NLC Talabira Phase-II. The proposal is part of a broader ₹6,284 crore plan to modernize the state’s power network.
In Detail : Odisha has formally requested ₹3,069 crore in financial assistance from the central government under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The funds are intended to upgrade and strengthen the state’s power distribution infrastructure to make it more resilient against natural disasters.
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo made the appeal during a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. He emphasized the state’s vulnerability to frequent cyclones and floods, particularly in its coastal districts.
As part of the proposal, the Odisha government has suggested implementing underground cabling in select areas across 30 kilometers of the coastal belt. This infrastructure would ensure electricity supply is less disrupted during extreme weather events.
The RDSS aims to reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT\&C) losses, improve the quality and reliability of power supply, and promote smart metering across the country. Odisha’s proposal fits within these objectives, while also adding a disaster-resilience component.
In addition to the funding request, the Deputy CM also sought allocation of 800 megawatts of power from the NLC Talabira Phase-II project. This would increase Odisha’s share to 1,200 megawatts from the 3,200-megawatt thermal power project.
Singh Deo underlined the importance of reliable electricity in mitigating socio-economic losses during natural calamities. Strengthening infrastructure, he said, would reduce power outages and support critical services during emergencies.
The total proposal submitted by Odisha under RDSS amounts to ₹6,284 crore. It includes not just infrastructure upgrades but also smart metering and project management costs to modernize the state’s entire distribution network.
The Deputy CM stressed that central support is crucial for Odisha to meet rising power demand and ensure energy security for both urban and rural populations. Without this assistance, critical infrastructure upgrades could face delays.
This request highlights the pressing need for climate-resilient energy systems in vulnerable states like Odisha. It reinforces the role of national schemes like RDSS in supporting local governments to build robust and sustainable power networks.
