OPTCL Lays Foundation Stone for ₹15 Crore Modern Sports Arena in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards promoting employee well-being and fostering a culture of health and recreation, the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) has laid the foundation stone for its state-of-the-art “OPTCL Sports Arena” at Bhoinagar, Unit-9, Bhubaneswar.

The foundation stone for the ₹15 crore project was laid on October 23, 2025, by Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister for Energy and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, in the presence of Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Higher Education, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture.

Funded entirely through OPTCL’s internal resources, the project will transform a portion of the OPTCL Colony into a modern, multi-sport enclave spanning 8,225 sqm (2.03 acres). The upcoming arena will feature world-class amenities including a badminton court, tennis court, volleyball court, Olympic-standard swimming pool, jogging track, landscaped greens, advanced lighting systems, security surveillance, and comfortable seating arrangements — designed to promote recreation, fitness, and sporting excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said, “The OPTCL Sports Arena symbolizes our dedication to nurturing the holistic well-being of employees working in Odisha’s power sector while extending health benefits to the larger community. A healthy workforce is the foundation of a productive and motivated organization.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Suryabanshi Suraj lauded OPTCL’s efforts in combining innovation with human-centric development. “This Sports Arena reflects OPTCL’s commitment to building a healthy, active, and community-oriented workplace ecosystem. Alongside its technological advancements in power transmission, the corporation is also investing in people — its greatest strength,” he remarked.

With around 2,700 employees and over 300 families residing in its colony, OPTCL continues to emerge as more than just a power utility — it stands as a symbol of transformation and forward-thinking. The corporation is consistently setting new benchmarks in both infrastructure development and employee welfare.

The event was attended by former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, Energy and Electronics & Information Technology Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, OPTCL, social worker Shri Jagannath Pradhan, along with senior officials and dignitaries from the state’s power sector.