12-hour bandh against Tata Power's (TPCODL) in Dhenkanal; protesters hold road and rail roko demonstrations over alleged exploitation

Dhenkanal is observing a complete 12-hour bandh today following a call issued by the District Bar Association and enforced by the Electricity Consumers’ Action Committee.

The shutdown, which began at 6 AM and will continue till 6 PM, was organised to protest against what local groups describe as arbitrary and exploitative practices by Tata Power TPCODL, including forcible smart meter installation, excessive billing, penalties, unannounced power cuts and failure to strengthen local infrastructure.

The bandh received widespread support from political parties, civil society groups, trade associations, intellectuals and residents across the district. By morning, all commercial establishments, government and private offices, and several private schools and colleges remained closed, informed sources.

Protesters Block Railway Tracks, NH-55

Reports added that the bandh took a sharper turn early in the day when hundreds of lawyers and locals gathered near Dhenkanal Main Station and staged a rail roko, halting train movement through the section. Soon after, demonstrators blocked National Highway-55, bringing vehicular traffic to a standstill

 Long queues of stranded trucks, passenger vehicles and buses stretched across multiple points on the highway, with police deployed to manage congestion.

Organisers said the blockade was a symbolic escalation meant to draw attention to the grievances of ordinary consumers affected by frequent billing disputes and sudden power disconnections.

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TPCODL Accused of Forcible Smart Metering, Excessive Fines

According to the District Bar Association, complaints regarding Tata Power TPCODL’s way of functioning have increased steadily over the past months. Residents allege that the company is installing smart meters without adequate groundwork, issuing inflated bills, collecting arbitrary fines, and failing to upgrade the network despite repeated outages.

These concerns led to the formation of the Electricity Consumers’ Action Committee, which now includes representatives from various political parties and senior members of the community. The committee stated that the bandh was ‘a collective expression of public resentment’ and warned that further district-wide agitation may follow if corrective steps are not taken.

Locals also cited recurring unscheduled power cuts and technical failures, saying that the absence of a strengthened local grid has placed an undue burden on consumers already struggling with higher electricity charges.

Shutdown Marked By Widespread Support Across District

Reports from Dhenkanal town and adjoining areas confirmed that markets, small shops, hotels, and fuel pumps remained closed through the morning. Private offices and coaching centres also shut their doors as residents joined the protest.

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With transport blocked and administrative work paralysed for most of the day, normal life across Dhenkanal remained heavily disrupted.

Meanwhile, the TPCODL officials are yet to respond to these allegations.