Tata Power JV electrifies homes of most remote tribal communities in Southern Odisha
Tata Power’s JV electrifies remote tribal communities in Southern Odisha, improving access to education, health, and livelihoods.
A total of 274 PVTG habitations covering 2,288 households have now been electrified across Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, the company said.
“In extremely remote locations where conventional grid connectivity was not feasible due to difficult terrain and inaccessibility, 17 habitations comprising 331 households have been provided power through decentralised solar systems, ensuring that even the most isolated settlements are not left without electricity,” it added.
Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs in India, with 13 communities recognised by the Government of India.
Southern Odisha is home to several of these groups, including the Bonda, Didayi, Lanjia Saora, Saora, Dongria Kondh and Kutia Kandha, many of whom live in forested and hilly regions with historically limited access to basic services.
According to the company in Rayagada district 134 habitations have been electrified, covering 1,273 households; 10 remote villages have been powered through solar.
In Gajapati district 58 habitations were electrified, covering 351 households including 3 solar-powered habitations.
In Malkangiri 31 habitations were electrified, covering 232 households. Two villages were supported by solar.
In Kandhamal district 28 habitations were electrified, covering 256 households including 1 hamlet powered by solar.
In Ganjam district 23 habitations were electrified, covering 176 households. One remote village has been powered through solar.
The electrification work involved laying power lines through dense forest terrain, installing transformers in remote clusters and providing last-mile household connections. Solar micro-systems were deployed in areas where grid extension was not technically feasible, the company said.
“Early impact is visible across villages, with improved access to lighting for education, better support for healthcare services including storage of medicines, enhanced mobile connectivity and the emergence of small livelihood activities,” the company said.
Commenting on the work, TPSODL Chief Executive Officer Amit Kumar Garg said, “Extending electricity to PVTG villages has been both a technical challenge and a social responsibility. Many of these habitations are located in extremely remote areas where even physical access is difficult.”
“Our teams worked closely with local communities, district administrations and forest authorities to ensure reliable power through either grid or solar solutions. This is not just about lighting homes — it is about opening doors to education, health, safety and opportunity for some of Odisha’s most vulnerable citizens,” he added.
Published – February 25, 2026 03:31 pm IST
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