Odisha has activated a multi-level electricity restoration plan for the possible Cyclone Arnab, with 83 emergency transmission towers, 1,115 kilometres of conductors and 11 field control centres placed on standby across vulnerable parts of the state.
The preparations were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The review focused on protecting the power grid, maintaining electricity supply where possible and restoring damaged infrastructure quickly during the emergency period through October 29.
The minister will remain in Koraput to monitor the cyclone’s impact and lead emergency operations in southern Odisha, according to the report. The state’s response is being coordinated across the Energy Department, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), Tata Power and senior district and utility officials.
OPTCL has established a multi-tier command network for continuity and restoration of electricity services. It includes a 24-hour emergency central control room at its State Transmission Asset Management Centre in Chandaka, a zonal control room at Narendrapur and field control centres at 11 sensitive locations. These locations are Narendrapur, Chhatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Therubali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradip, Bhadrak and Balasore.
The command units have been equipped with emergency communication arrangements, backup diesel generators and direct-current power systems. Depots have also been stocked with 83 sets of emergency towers rated for 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV transmission lines, along with 1,115 kilometres of conductors and 9,157 hardware fitting sets.
The equipment is intended to support rapid restoration if transmission towers, conductors or associated infrastructure are damaged. The scale of the stockpile indicates that the state is preparing for disruption across multiple voltage levels rather than relying only on local repair teams after the event.
For consumers served by TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited, a central emergency control room is operating at Ambagada in Berhampur. The utility will communicate estimated restoration times to customers through automated SMS messages. Consumers can report electricity-related problems on 9124293314 or through the toll-free numbers 1912 and 18002026.
The meeting was attended by Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Bishal Kumar Deb and senior officials from OPTCL, Tata Power and the Energy Department. The authorities’ stated priorities are grid protection, uninterrupted supply where feasible, rapid restoration and zero loss of life during the emergency period.
