Chandigarh, July 15: Marking the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, Tata Power today launched Odisha’s first–ever Solar Rath—a first-of-its-kind mobile awareness initiative to take the message of clean energy directly to people’s doorsteps and accelerate rooftop solar adoption under the Government of India’s flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Launched through TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL), a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, the initiative reinforces Tata Power‘s commitment to supporting the Government’s vision of expanding rooftop solar adoption, empowering consumers to generate their own clean energy and contributing to India’s transition towards a sustainable and energy-secure future.
The initiative builds on Odisha’s remarkable progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Recently recognised as the top-performing state in the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Awards among states with a medium consumer base, Odisha has emerged as a national leader in rooftop solar adoption through the efforts of Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs in partnership with the Government of Odisha. The state secured top honours for consumer applications, rooftop solar installations and DISCOM technical inspections, reflecting the scale and speed of implementation.
With over 1.5 lakh rooftop solar installations commissioned through the sustained efforts of Tata Power-led Odisha DISCOMs, the state has emerged as one of India’s leading rooftop solar success stories. The momentum has been particularly strong at the grassroots, with multiple districts crossing 10,000 rooftop solar installations and several villages progressing towards becoming fully solarised, enabling households to reduce electricity bills while moving towards energy self-reliance.
These achievements are enabling thousands of households to lower their electricity bills while moving towards greater energy self-reliance.
Building on this momentum, the Solar Rath will travel across Puri and Dhenkanal, taking awareness on rooftop solar directly to consumers.
Accompanying the initiative is Solar Sanga, a dedicated outreach ambassador who will educate households about the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, explain the benefits of rooftop solar, central and state government subsidies, eligibility criteria, the application process and rooftop solar solutions, including the 1 kW ULA Model, helping consumers identify options best suited to their energy needs.
The initiative aims to make reliable information on rooftop solar easily accessible through village visits, community interactions and awareness sessions. By bringing knowledge and guidance closer to consumers, Tata Power seeks to encourage greater participation in the Government’s flagship rooftop solar programme, enabling households to reduce electricity bills, generate clean energy and become active partners in India’s energy transition.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gajanan S. Kale, CEO, TPCODL and Chief of Odisha Distribution Business, said: “Rath Yatra symbolises taking blessings to the people, and through the Solar Rath, we are taking the message of clean energy and energy independence directly to communities across Odisha. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is transforming the way households consume and generate electricity. Through this unique outreach campaign, we aim to make rooftop solar more accessible by helping consumers understand the benefits, the government support available and the simple process of adopting solar. Building on Odisha’s remarkable progress and national recognition under the scheme, we remain committed to partnering with the Government to accelerate clean energy adoption and empower every household to become a part of India’s energy transition.”
The Solar Rath will visit villages, marketplaces and prominent public locations, where residents can interact with Solar Sanga and receive end-to-end guidance on adopting rooftop solar.
Through this first-of-its-kind initiative, Tata Power continues to strengthen consumer engagement while supporting the Government’s renewable energy ambitions and advancing Odisha’s journey towards a cleaner, greener and more energy-secure future.