A 32-KV DC line work of the IFFCO was reportedly done by a contractor who allegedly has neither standard qualifications nor any experience in electrical works.

While the tender procedure was illegal, the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) and the Odisha Electricity Regulations Authority have remained silence, alleged the Odisha Electricity Board Workers Association.

The OPTCL called a tender for the Paradip IFFCO 132-KV DC line in 2018-19. The tender was awarded to Bhubaneswar-based Abhisek Contech Private India Ltd, which had no experience in pilling and foundation works in electrical pillars installation. Foundation work was not done as per rules. It was not done on proper location and soil test was not done. While the regions is very low in altitude and has salty and sandy soil, electrical foundation work is very important for installation of 132-KV lines.

The 1999 Super Cyclone had destroyed the electrical pillars of the PPT and the PPL, but the then Oswal Fertilizer and Chemical (Presently  IFFCO) pillars were strong. So, the PPT and PPL had blacklisted two contractors for low-grade work with use of substandard materials.

As it lacked knowledge, the Abhisek Contech did the work with Cuttack- based Shree Engineering and Associate.

Sources also said the Shree Engineering has also lacked experience in pilling and foundation work. Thus, it took help of the Gupta Power and Infrastructure Ltd. However, the Gupta Engineering cancelled the agreement with Shree engineering later. So the guarantee certificate of Shree Engineering was valueless for the OPTCL.

The electrical works are of low grade and posing dangers for public.