Tata Power launches Odisha's first Solar Rath to boost rooftop solar adoption under PM Surya Ghar scheme

Tata Power on Wednesday launched Odisha's first-ever Solar Rath, a mobile awareness campaign aimed at accelerating rooftop solar adoption under the Centre's flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. 

Rolled out through TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL)—a joint venture between Tata Power and the Government of Odisha—the initiative seeks to take awareness about rooftop solar directly to households, supporting the government's vision of expanding clean energy adoption and promoting energy self-reliance. 

The launch comes as Odisha continues to emerge as one of the country's best-performing states under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The state was recently recognised as the top performer among states with a medium consumer base at the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Awards, securing top honours in consumer applications, rooftop solar installations and DISCOM technical inspections. 

According to Tata Power, more than 1.5 lakh rooftop solar systems have been commissioned across Odisha through the Tata Power-led distribution companies in partnership with the state government. Several districts have crossed the milestone of 10,000 rooftop solar installations, while multiple villages are progressing towards becoming fully solarised. 

The company said these efforts have enabled thousands of households to reduce electricity bills while moving towards greater energy independence. 

Building on this momentum, the Solar Rath will travel across Puri and Dhenkanal districts, creating awareness about rooftop solar through village visits, community interactions and public engagement programmes. 

The campaign will also feature Solar Sanga, a dedicated outreach ambassador who will educate consumers about the benefits of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, including central and state subsidies, eligibility criteria, the application process and rooftop solar solutions such as the 1 kW ULA Model. The initiative aims to help households identify the most suitable solar solutions based on their energy requirements. 

By taking information directly to communities, Tata Power hopes to improve awareness and encourage greater participation in the government's rooftop solar programme, enabling consumers to generate clean energy while lowering electricity costs. 

Gajanan S. Kale, CEO, TPCODL and Chief of Odisha Distribution Business, said the campaign draws inspiration from the spirit of Odisha's Rath Yatra by taking the message of clean energy directly to the people. "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," Kale said. 

He added that building on Odisha's strong performance and national recognition under the scheme, Tata Power remains committed to working with the government to accelerate rooftop solar adoption and empower more households to participate in India's clean energy transition.