Odisha seeks Rs 62.84 bn central aid for power infrastructure

The Government of Odisha has sought Rs 62.84 billion as central financial assistance under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The request was placed before the Union Government on June 24, 2025.

The proposed funding breakdown includes Rs 42.48 billion for cyclone-resilient power infrastructure, Rs 15.1 billion for upgrading distribution systems, Rs 4.28 billion for smart metering, and Rs 0.97 billion for project management support.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo has stated that Odisha plans to add 11,294 MW of capacity by 2036, including solar, wind, hydro, distributed renewable energy (DRE), and pumped storage projects. Of this, 3,904 MW has already been contracted. The state is also developing renewable energy evacuation corridors like Hirakud–Kolabira–Duburi and Indravati–Theruvali–Gopalpur.

By 2030, Odisha’s transmission infrastructure will include 225 substations, 20,939 ckm of transmission lines, and a total transformation capacity of 45,369 MVA.

In addition to RDSS funding, the state sought:

• Allocation of 800 MW from the NLC Talabira Phase II project
  
  
• Central support for Green Energy Corridor projects
  
  
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for pumped storage projects, similar to battery storage systems
  
  
• Assistance for floating solar and offshore wind projects
  
  
• Support for a tidal energy potential study along the Odisha coast
  
  

Odisha aims to establish itself as a national model in electricity sector reforms and infrastructure resilience.