Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday reviewed the preparedness of the Energy Department to deal with the potential impact of Cyclone Arnab, with a focus on ensuring uninterrupted power supply and rapid restoration of electricity across southern and coastal Odisha.

The high-level meeting assessed operational readiness for the critical period from October 26 to 29, 2026. The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to strengthen grid resilience, minimise power disruptions and take all necessary measures to prevent casualties.

As part of the government's ground-level monitoring strategy, Singh Deo will camp in Koraput to oversee the cyclone's impact and coordinate emergency operations across southern Odisha.

OPTCL activates emergency control network

The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has established a multi-tier command network to ensure swift restoration of the power transmission infrastructure in cyclone-affected areas.

A dedicated 24x7 central control room has been set up at the State Transmission Asset Management Centre (STAMC) in Chandaka, while zonal monitoring will be carried out from Narendrapur.

Additionally, 11 strategic field control centres have been activated at Narendrapur, Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar, Jayanagar, Malkangiri, Theruvali, Kesinga, Samangara, Paradeep, Bhadrak and Baleshwar.

According to the Energy Department, all control units are operational with dedicated staff rosters, functional communication systems, backup diesel generators and DC power supply arrangements.

Ground teams have also begun implementing pre-cyclone preparedness measures to minimise damage and facilitate the speedy restoration of electricity following the storm.

Emergency equipment stocked at strategic locations

To ensure prompt restoration of damaged transmission infrastructure, emergency materials have been stocked at strategic depots across the state.

The available resources include 83 sets of emergency transmission towers rated at 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV, along with 1,115 km of conductors and 9,157 hardware fitting sets.

The department has emphasised that restoration work will begin as soon as weather conditions permit safe operations.

Priority will be given to restoring electricity to essential services and public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and cyclone shelters, to protect public health and safety.

Power restoration updates through SMS alerts

The Energy Department has also planned to keep consumers informed about power disruptions and restoration schedules during the emergency.

Estimated restoration timelines will be communicated directly to consumers through automated SMS alerts, enabling them to receive updates on electricity supply in their areas.

For consumers in the southern region, the centralised power system control centre at Ambagada in Berhampur will function as the Central Emergency Control Centre (CECC) for Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL).

Consumers can contact the control centre at 9124293314 or call the toll-free numbers 1912 and 18002026 for assistance.

The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding electricity supply and restoring damaged transmission lines in the shortest possible time.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, along with senior officials from OPTCL, Tata Power and the Energy Department, attended the review meeting.