The project, awarded to Empowertrans through competitive bidding by Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), replaced the cyclone-damaged 26 km transmission line connecting PGCIL’s Pandiabili substation to OPTCL’s Samgara substation near Puri. Designed to withstand extreme cyclones, this pioneering project aims to set a benchmark for similar projects in cyclone-prone areas.
The previous transmission line, built a few years ago, was destroyed during Cyclone Fani in May 2019. The cyclone brought wind pressure in excess of 300 kg/sqm, which exceeded the Indian standard design limits for coastal areas (Zone 5). Foundations were uprooted, towers twisted, and conductors snapped, creating widespread disruption.
In response, the Government of Odisha and Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) collaborated with PGCIL to reconstruct the line using advanced Zone 6 design standards to ensure resilience against future cyclones. This innovative project featured narrow-base towers with prototype testing, destructive tests, and pile foundations to suit challenging terrain.
Empowertrans has a history of delivering groundbreaking high-voltage projects in Odisha. Notable achievements include construction of Odisha’s first 400kV link line for Vedanta in 2009 and first Quad Moose 400kV double-circuit line for GMR in 2012. The company built East India’s first monopole tower-based transmission line with high-tension, low-sags. For Bharat Power Corporation at Haldia.
In this milestone, Empowertrans has demonstrated its expertise in tackling complex engineering challenges, strengthening Odisha’s power infrastructure and ensuring seamless connectivity to critical locations like Jagannath Puri.
This cyclone-resistant transmission line represents an important step towards strengthening infrastructure in disaster-prone areas, aligned with Odisha’s commitment to resilient development.