Mr. Brundabana Sahoo
Odisha’s First Pioneer Electrical Industrialist
Mr. Brundabana Sahoo is remembered as one of the most influential and visionary electrical pioneers in the history of Odisha. At a time when the state was still in the early stages of industrial and infrastructural development, he emerged as a self-taught genius, technical leader, and industrialist whose contributions shaped the foundation of modern electrification in Odisha. His work touched almost every sector—engineering, industries, cinema halls, water supply, railways, airports, transformers, and public infrastructure—making him a true architect of Odisha’s electrical progress.
Born with exceptional mechanical and electrical aptitude, Mr. Brundabana Sahoo became the first widely recognized electrician and electrical industrialist in the region. Long before advanced engineering colleges or industrial training centers were accessible, he mastered electrical systems through hard work, practical exposure, and unmatched dedication. His knowledge was so extensive that he soon became the go-to expert for motors, transformers, pumping systems, wiring, industrial machinery, and high-capacity electrification.
One of his earliest and most remarkable achievements was completing 10 major pump houses on the Kuakhai River for water supply distribution. At a time when Bhubaneswar and nearby regions were struggling with a stable water supply, he designed and installed pumping systems capable of lifting water from the river and distributing it to multiple water tanks (including PhD water supply lines). These pump houses played a key role in meeting the city’s growing water needs and became a model for future water supply projects in Odisha.
His technical expertise extended far beyond water systems. Mr. Sahoo became a central figure in setting up and electrifying several early industries in the Khapuria Industrial Area. Whether it was industrial motors, lead-working machines, rice mills, flour mills, or oil mills, he provided complete setup, wiring, installation, and maintenance. Many of these industries depended entirely on his engineering skills to run their heavy machines and electrical infrastructure. His contribution helped Khapuria grow into an important industrial estate in Cuttack.
He also played a key role in establishing ice factories across Odisha, including the Paradip Port Ice Factory and the Balangir Ice Factory. These units were crucial for the fishing industry, cold storage, and industrial cooling systems, and Mr. Sahoo managed everything from motor installation to full electrical setup. His ability to handle large-scale industrial projects made him one of the most respected electrical engineers of his time.
Another extraordinary footprint of his work can be seen in the cinema industry of Odisha. Many of the iconic movie halls that entertained Odia audiences for decades—such as Maharaja Movie Hall, Puri Laxmi Talkies, Capital Cinema Hall, Pravat Cinema Hall, and Hind Cinema Hall—were electrified by him. From projector motor systems to lighting and sound wiring, he handled all the technical installations. These halls became cultural landmarks, and his work played a role in making cinema accessible to thousands of people.
His technical brilliance also reached educational institutions. At the Sambalpur BSc Engineering College, he worked with step-up and step-down transformers, olding (welding) machines, and motor repair units. His work supported engineering students and faculty at a time when trained electrical experts were rare. He helped build practical labs and contributed to strengthening Odisha’s engineering education.
One of his largest accomplishments was his involvement in major electrification projects across Odisha. Notably, he carried out all the electrification work for Charbatia, a strategically important area. But one of the proudest milestones of his career was in 1964, when the All India Congress Adhibeshan (National Congress Convention) was held in Bhubaneswar. The entire electrification for the massive national event—lights, power lines, public systems, and event electrical networks—was completed by Mr. Brundabana Sahoo. This earned him statewide recognition and respect from government officials and engineers alike.
He also contributed significantly to fuel infrastructure. He established many petrol tank installations in Bhubaneswar, including the well-known Sahid Nagar Petrol Pump. These installations required high-security electrical systems, precision wiring, and strict safety measures—tasks he completed with excellence.
Railways were another important field where he left a lasting mark. He completed major electrification works in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar Railway Stations. These projects were critical for train operations, signaling systems, lighting, motor functions, and safety circuits. His involvement ensured smooth functioning of railway services in two of Odisha’s most important junctions.
His engineering fingerprints can also be seen at Bhubaneswar Airport, where he handled extensive electrification work. From runway lights to hangar systems, internal wiring, and power distribution, he ensured that the airport met the growing needs of Odisha’s capital city.
Another iconic contribution was setting up the Dhauli Shanti Stupa water pump system. The Stupa, a global peace monument visited by thousands every year, required specialized pumping and electrical systems. Mr. Sahoo’s engineering ensured uninterrupted water supply and electrical stability on the hill.
Beyond all these achievements, he was a master of motor factories, fan factories, transformer systems, general electrical engineering courses, and repairing units. He trained hundreds of young people, many of whom went on to become successful electricians, technicians, and industrial workers. His knowledge empowered an entire generation of skilled professionals.
Throughout his life, Mr. Brundabana Sahoo combined practical expertise with vision. His work was not limited to a single field—he electrified industries, homes, cinema halls, public utilities, railways, airports, water systems, and engineering institutions. His contributions built the early foundation of Odisha’s electrical infrastructure. Many of the systems he created continued to function for decades, standing as proof of his precision and craftsmanship.
Today, he is remembered not just as an electrician but as a legendary electrical industrialist, a technical pioneer, and a visionary whose dedication shaped the progress of modern Odisha. His legacy lives on in the industries he built, the electrification projects he completed, and the countless people he trained and inspired.
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