The Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Limited (IMFA) Kalinganagar plant achieved energisation of a 220 kV connection from the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) New Duburi grid substation on Friday. The development marks a significant upgrade to the plant's power infrastructure and was completed in the presence of OPTCL officials and the plant head of IMFA. The deliverable will support expanded operational stability at the complex. The connection will underpin uninterrupted operations and provide a platform for future capacity enhancements at the facility.

The project was executed by M/s AK Das Associates Limited (AKDAL), Bhubaneswar, and comprised a 220 kV bay extension, an extra high voltage cable system and an overhead transmission line. AKDAL managing director Amiyakanta Das said the work involved substantial right of way constraints and several challenging engineering activities. He added that despite those constraints AKDAL completed the work within eight months through focused project management and sustained field effort. The scope required liaison with multiple agencies and careful sequencing to minimise disruption to existing services.

OPTCL provided technical support and coordination during commissioning and the company acknowledged that collaboration with IMFA management and the project team was pivotal to timely completion. The transmission link follows standard grid interconnection protocols and will enable more reliable delivery of high voltage power to the plant. Site teams performed testing and safety checks before the connection was declared operational. Commissioning encompassed phased energisation, protective relay testing and load trials to validate stability under operational conditions.

The upgrade is expected to reduce supply interruptions and enhance the plant's capacity to manage peak loads more effectively. IMFA and AKDAL expressed thanks to OPTCL and internal stakeholders for their cooperation and oversight during the execution. Company officials indicated that the improved supply security would support productivity and long-term planning for the industrial complex. Local contractors also benefited from the work schedule.