Berhampur, August 2025:This Independence Day, while the nation celebrates freedom, a silent force in Southern Odisha is working round-the-clock to keep two of India’s most strategic installations running without a flicker.Tata Power-led TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), a joint venture with the Government of Odisha, powers both Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Sunabeda — the factory that builds engines for Sukhoi fighter jets — and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) Chhatrapur, which processes rare-earth minerals vital for nuclear energy, defence, and cutting-edge manufacturing.From April to June this year, IREL didn’t face a single power cut — a record made possible by TPSODL’s dedicated high-voltage lines, smart grid technology, and quick-response teams. HAL Sunabeda gets its electricity through a 132 kV metered line from TPSODL’s Sunabeda Grid Substation, while IREL Chhatrapur is powered by a similar line from the Chhatrapur Grid Substation.Beyond just supplying power, TPSODL keeps these lifelines steady with automated fault detection, drone inspections, real-time monitoring, and maintenance teams ready at a moment’s notice.For HAL, that means precision manufacturing stays on schedule, ensuring India’s air defence is never delayed. For IREL, it means uninterrupted production of rare-earth elements that fuel everything from clean energy to high-end electronics.As India pushes towards self-reliance in defence and technology, TPSODL’s work may stay behind the scenes — but its role is as critical as the machines and scientists it powers.
