Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, July 29: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo on Tuesday met Union Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in Delhi to discuss critical concerns in the state’s power sector.

During the meeting, Singh Deo requested the Centre’s favourable consideration on key proposals aimed at strengthening Odisha’s electricity infrastructure and disaster resilience.

A major point of discussion was the early sanction of Rs3,069 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The funds are intended to upgrade Odisha’s power distribution network, reduce technical and commercial losses, and support prepaid smart metering initiatives.

Singh Deo emphasized that Odisha’s vulnerability to frequent cyclones and floods necessitates urgent investment in disaster-resilient power infrastructure, including selective underground cabling within 30 km of the coastline, as recommended by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

In light of rising power demand, the Deputy CM also urged the allocation of 800 MW from the NLC Talabira Phase-II project, in addition to the 400 MW already sanctioned in Phase-I, bringing Odisha’s total share to 1,200 MW from the 3,200 MW capacity project. This additional allocation would help meet the growing energy needs of both domestic and industrial consumers.

Singh Deo reiterated Odisha’s commitment to power sector reforms and highlighted the state’s progress in infrastructure development. He stated that with timely support from the Centre, Odisha can not only ensure reliable electricity for its citizens but also contribute meaningfully to India’s national goal of building a resilient and sustainable power grid.

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