Under the Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti Master Plan, the electricity transmission network is expected to grow from 4,25,500 circuit kilometres (its current size as of May 31, 2020) to 4,54,200 circuit kilometres (ckm) by 2024–25, adding roughly 28,700 ckm.
The Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) network at a voltage level of 220 kV and higher has recommended this addition.
According to information provided by the Union Minister of Power R.K. Singh in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, certain transmission lines’ lengths have changed as a result of a thorough study. Some of the transmission networks could not be finished until beyond 2024–2025. New transmission projects have also been taken into consideration. Hence, the transmission network to be built by 2024–2025 is roughly 27,000 ckm compared to the anticipated increase of transmission lines of 28700 ckm. These initiatives are expected to cost around Rs 75,000 crore. The reply said that since these projects include interstate transmission and are not limited to a single state or UT, it is not practical to estimate costs at the state or UT level.
India has a strong National Grid infrastructure that enables reliable and secure power delivery from resource-rich regions to the nation’s main load centres. The transfer of power from surplus and deficit areas and nations is possible. To keep pace with the rise in power output and consumption, the national grid’s capacity is being increased continuously. As of February 28, 2023, the Indian Transmission network consists of 11,58,875 MVA of substation transformation capacity and 4,68,977 ckm of transmission lines (220kV and higher voltage level) (220kV and above voltage level). The National Grid has an interregional capacity of 1,12,250 MW.
The nation’s transmission capacity is sufficient. Sometimes power outages are reported as a result of limitations in the state-line transmission and distribution networks or budgetary restrictions with select Distribution Corporations.
According to the response, the transmission projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan are anticipated to significantly simplify the transfer of electricity from generating projects while enhancing the nation’s power system network’s dependability.
