Deputy CM Shri Singh Deo & Sports Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj Lays Foundation Stone for State-of-the-Art Sports Arena at OPTCL Colony

Bhubaneswar – 24/10/2025:Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has taken a major step towards fostering employee well-being and community engagement with the foundation stone laying of its “OPTCL Sports Arena” — a modern, multi-sport facility designed to promote health, recreation, and athletic excellence.
The foundation stone for this landmark project was laid on October 23, 2025, by Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha for Energy and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, in the presence of Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Higher Education, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture.

The ₹15 crore project, funded entirely through OPTCL’s internal resources, will transform a portion of the OPTCL Colony at Bhoinagar, Unit-9, Bhubaneswar, into a comprehensive sports enclave equipped with world-class facilities. The total developed area will span 8,225 sqm (2.03 acres). The OPTCL Sports Arena will feature a Badminton court, Tennis court, Volleyball court, Olympic-standard Swimming pool, Jogging track, Landscaped green areas, Advanced lighting systems, Security surveillance, and Comfortable seating arrangements for recreation and fitness.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, stated that the OPTCL Sports Arena symbolizes our dedication to nurturing the holistic well-being of employees working in Odisha’s power sector while extending the health benefits to the larger community. This initiative reinforces our belief that a healthy workforce is the foundation of a productive and motivated organization.

OPTCL, a key pillar of Odisha’s power sector, continues to strengthen the state’s transmission network while promoting employee welfare and work-life balance. Hon’ble Sports & Youth Services Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj stated that the new Sports Arena stands as a testament to OPTCL’s commitment to building a healthy, active, and community-oriented workplace ecosystem. It is equally important to recognize the innovation the corporation continues to bring into the transmission sector.

Today, OPTCL stands not just as a utility but as a symbol of transformation and forward-thinking. With a dedicated team of around 2,700 employees and support to over 300 families in its residential colony, the organization is setting new benchmarks — not only in power infrastructure, but also in holistic development and employee well-being. The program was attended by former MLA, Sh Priyadarshi Mishra, Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary to Government, Energy and Electronics & Information Technology Department; and Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, OPTCL, social worker Shri Jagannath Pradhan, along with senior officials and dignitaries from the Odisha power fraternity.