Bhubaneswar, Mar 31: In order to achieve the goal of ‘Power to All’, the need of the hour is to ensure a strong transmission and distribution infrastructure across the State, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Speaking at the Induction Workshop of Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) here on Wednesday, Patnaik said the State government is committed to provide electricity to all its citizens.
He said power is the most essential pre-requisite for development and growth. The Chief Minister said OPTCL has been playing a pivotal role in the growth of power sector in the State.
He added that the organization has taken up several initiatives like Odisha Distribution System Strengthening Project, CAPEX, Smart Grid, State Capital Region Improvement Project and Odisha Dedicated Agriculture and Fishery Feeder.
“These initiatives will substantially contribute to our endeavour of providing quality power to people”, Patnaik said, adding the dedicated feeder for agriculture and fisheries sector will be very beneficial to the growth of agriculture and allied sector.
Patnaik said OPTCL is now on a high growth trajectory. “The organization is all set to double its transmission network by 2017-18. The number of grid sub-stations will be increased from 100 to 167 by 2018”, he said, adding this will significantly increase the volume of power business which in turn will create more job opportunities for youngsters in the State.
On the occasion, as many as 258 professionals were inducted into OPTCL.
