Odisha cabinet approves ₹4,708-crore pumped storage project in Kalahandi
The state government will implement a 600 MW facility at Ranibahal to provide grid-scale energy storage by the 2030-31 financial year.
The Odisha cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 13 proposals on Monday, including a ₹4,708.64 crore pumped storage project in Kalahandi district, according to the Hindustan Times.
The 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Ranibahal will be implemented through the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC). Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd has been selected as the developer, with a bid price of ₹3,372.88 crore excluding GST.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the project is intended to act as a grid-scale energy storage system. It will absorb surplus electricity during off-peak hours and generate power during peak demand periods.
The facility is expected to produce approximately 1,040 million units of annual peak electricity. The project is targeted for commissioning by the 2030-31 financial year.
Other approved measures include the Odisha Shikshanet project, valued at ₹393.62 crore, to provide free campus Wi-Fi to roughly six lakh students across 601 colleges. The project offers a daily limit of 1 GB.
The cabinet also cleared amendments to the Odisha Civil Services Rules, 1991, allowing candidates to attempt the state civil services examination an unlimited number of times until they reach the prescribed upper age limit.