Bhubaneswar: In the biggest-ever investment in Odisha’s power sector, the state govt on Monday approved projects worth ₹15,948.70 crore to significantly expand and modernise the transmission network, aiming to meet rising industrial demand, support renewable energy integration and strengthen power reliability across the state.After the state cabinet chaired by CM Mohan Charan Majhi cleared the proposal, chief secretary Anu Garg said the investment will lay the foundation for a future-ready transmission system capable of supporting Odisha’s long-term economic growth and clean energy ambitions.For the first time, Odisha will introduce a 765 kV transmission network, with three new grid substations planned at Khuntuni, Duburi and Kolabira. The high-capacity infrastructure is expected to bolster industrial expansion, meet growing domestic demand and facilitate evacuation of renewable power.The state currently has five operational 400 kV grid substations, while six more are under implementation. The newly approved substations at Kansbahal and Titlagarh will take the total number of 400 kV substations to 13 and extend Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited’s (OPTCL) 400 kV network further into western Odisha.The govt also approved ten new 220 kV grid substations. Odisha had 48 such substations till 2024, with six added over the past two years and 11 currently under construction. With the latest approvals, the total number of 220 kV substations will rise to 75. Officials said the projects will help complete the 220 kV ring network in Rourkela, Sambalpur and Bargarh, while the Bhubaneswar ring network was completed in March this year.The transmission expansion plan will also create sufficient infrastructure for evacuating power from the proposed floating solar projects at Hirakud and Indravati, as well as ground-mounted solar parks in western and southern Odisha.“As part of the modernisation drive, OPTCL will introduce AI-based inspection and predictive maintenance systems for transmission lines and upgrade 79 existing substations to cater to rising electricity demand,” the chief secretary said.Officials said OPTCL’s transformation capacity will more than double from 29,889 MVA to 63,364 MVA under the approved plan. The entire network will also be brought under a Network Automation System (STAMS), enabling remote monitoring and operations through four control hubs located in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Jharsuguda and Balasore.The govt said the investment will create a stronger, smarter and more resilient transmission network capable of meeting Odisha’s growing industrial, urban and renewable energy requirements, while advancing the state’s Viksit Odisha 2036 vision.