The First Hydroelectric Power Plant of Kalinga, Machkund Project.

Long before electricity became a common necessity, the Maharaja of Jeypore dreamt of lighting up his kingdom with the power of flowing water. That dream laid the foundation for the Machkund Hydroelectric Project (MHEP) — the first hydroelectric power plant of the modern states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

The visionary dream of H. H. Maharaja Vikram Dev of Jeypore to electrify his kingdom laid the foundation for one of the earliest milestones in India’s energy sector — the Machkund Hydroelectric Project (MHEP).

A Royal Vision

The story dates back nearly a century. H.H. Maharaja Vikram Dev, known for his progressive ideas, envisioned harnessing the mighty rivers of Kalinga to bring electricity to his people. To translate this vision, he commissioned British engineer Henry Howard in the late 1920s. After detailed surveys, Howard identified the Duduma Falls on the Machkund River as a suitable site.

In 1929, preliminary groundwork began, marking one of the earliest attempts at hydroelectric development in Eastern India. However, due to administrative hurdles and the political shifts of pre-Independence India, actual construction was delayed for years.

Birth of the Machkund Project

It was only after World War II, in 1946, that construction officially started. The project was established as a joint venture between the Madras Presidency (later Andhra Pradesh) and Orissa (now Odisha). With an initial investment of ₹18 crore, the plan was ambitious — to tap into the waters of Duduma Falls and generate reliable electricity for two states.

Historic Inauguration

The project achieved a milestone in 1955, when it was formally inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. The event marked not just the completion of a power plant, but the realization of a Maharaja’s vision and a new dawn for energy in the region.

Sharing the Power

In the beginning, electricity distribution was divided in a 70:30 ratio between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Over time, with increasing demand and negotiations, the arrangement was revised to an equal 50:50 share, ensuring both states benefit fairly from the plant.

A Lasting Legacy

The Machkund Hydroelectric Project is more than just a power station. It is a living heritage of foresight, engineering, and cooperation, one that continues to illuminate homes and industries across two states even today.

For the people of Jeypore and beyond, Machkund is not only about electricity. It is a reminder that a century ago, a Maharaja dared to dream of modernity — and turned the roaring waters of Duduma into the light of Kalinga.