Highlights from the Union Ministry's National Electricity Plan, Volume II (October 2024) — transmission projections for 2022–27 and 2027–32.
Projected Growth in Transmission Systems — 2022-27
Between 2022 and 2027, approximately 1,14,687 ckm of transmission lines and 7,76,330 MVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and higher voltage levels are slated for addition to meet projected electricity demand and planned generation capacity expansion.
The planned transformation capacity addition marks a significant increase over the 3,49,685 MVA added during 2017-22 — a rise largely driven by the growing integration of renewable energy (RE) capacity into the grid. Since RE potential zones are typically concentrated in a few states, often far from major load centres, bulk power transfer from these zones to demand centres has become essential.
To facilitate long-distance transmission, electricity generated in RE zones is stepped up to 220 kV and further to 400 kV or 765 kV, depending on power volume and distance. At load centres, the voltage is stepped down progressively. Transmitting power at high voltages not only minimizes transmission losses but also optimizes right of way — a crucial strategy for efficient grid operations.
Estimated Cost of the 2022-27 Transmission System
The Status of Growth in 2022-23 & 2023-24
| Year | Target lines (ckm) | Achieved lines (ckm) | Target substations (MVA) | Achieved substations (MVA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 14,581 | 14,625 | 78,959 | 75,902 |
| 2023-24 | 16,682 | 14,203 | 78,109 | 70,728 |
During 2022-23, the 14,625 ckm of lines added included 4,671 ckm in the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and 9,954 ckm within intra-State networks; of the 75,902 MVA added, 23,765 MVA was ISTS and 52,137 MVA intra-State.
In 2023-24, of the 14,203 ckm added, 6,283 ckm went to the ISTS and 7,920 ckm to intra-State networks; the 70,728 MVA of transformation capacity split into 31,820 MVA (ISTS) and 38,908 MVA (intra-State).
As of March 31, 2024, the total length of transmission lines at 220 kV and above reached 4,85,544 ckm, with total transformation capacity of 12,51,080 MVA — including 33,500 MW of HVDC capacity.
Perspective Transmission Plan 2027-32
Based on the NEP, approximately 76,787 ckm of transmission lines and 4,97,855 MVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and higher voltage levels are planned for addition during 2027-32, alongside 32,250 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity.
Estimated Cost of the 2027-32 Transmission System
Greening the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Electricity demand in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is primarily met through diesel generator sets, supplemented by small-scale renewable sources such as solar and wind. To enhance energy reliability, plans are underway to connect the islands to mainland India using HVDC undersea cables.
The proposed ±320 kV, 250 MW HVDC (VSC-based) interconnection will span 1,150 km via undersea cable, with a total cable capacity of 500 MW — connecting Port Blair in the Andamans to Paradip in Odisha, the first project of its kind in the country. The estimated cost for Phase I is approximately ₹31,000 crore, with an implementation timeline of about 60 months.
In Phase II, an additional 250 MW HVDC terminal will be installed at both Paradip and the Nicobar Islands, along with an undersea cable linking Port Blair to the Nicobar Islands — ensuring supply to meet demand in the Nicobar region.
Source: National Electricity Plan (Volume II — Transmission), Union Ministry of Power / CEA, October 2024.