In Short : India plans to invest over ₹9 trillion (₹9.15 lakh crore) in power transmission infrastructure by 2032 as outlined in the National Electricity Plan (Transmission). The strategy includes expanding transmission lines to 1.91 lakh circuit kilometers, increasing transformation capacity to 1,270 GVA, and boosting inter-regional transmission from 119 GW to 168 GW. Key components include integrating renewable energy sources like offshore wind and storage systems while supporting green hydrogen and cross-border interconnections.
In Detail : The Union Minister for Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, announced that a total expenditure of Rs 9.12 trillion has been planned to enhance the power transmission infrastructure capacity in India by 2032. The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) outlines the transmission plans up to 2031-32, as stated by Naik in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
According to the plan, 1,91,474 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines and 1,274 Giga Volt Ampere (GVA) of transformation capacity would be added (at 220 kV and above voltage level) during the 10-year period from 2022-23 to 2031-32.
Naik further mentioned that 33.25 GW of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) bi-pole links are also planned. The inter-regional transmission capacity is expected to increase from the current 119 GW to 143 GW by 2026-27 and further to 168 GW by 2031-32.
The plan also emphasises the adoption of new transmission technologies, cross-border interconnections, and increased participation from the private sector in transmission projects.
He informed the House that the total expenditure likely to be incurred on the transmission plan is about Rs 9.16 trillion. The Transmission Plan is intended to provide clarity for electricity generators, equipment manufacturers, Transmission Service Providers (TSPs), and investors regarding growth opportunities in the transmission sector. The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) covers existing, ongoing, and planned interconnections with neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In another written response, Naik shared that 28 hydroelectric projects (HEP) with a combined capacity of 13,997.5 MW and five Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) with a total capacity of 6,050 MW are currently under construction in the country.
