India aims to accomplish a transmission line capacity of 650,000 circuit km by the end of FY32 as outlined in the National Electricity Plan 2022-32 issued by the Central Electricity Authority. The power ministry reports that the overall distance of the country's transmission lines is roughly 480,000 circuit km.
India expanded its transmission line capacity by 88,865 circuit km, achieving a total capacity of 460,000 circuit km by the conclusion of the FY17-FY22 five-year plan. Transmission capacities are crucial in the power sector with the addition of more generation units and the integration of renewable energy. The decision is made against the government's major effort to provide round-the-clock electricity and prioritize renewable energy.
The CEA development division of the power ministry has split the forecast period into two segments. Between Fiscal Year 2027 and Fiscal Year 2032, there is an anticipated increase in transmission sector capacity of 76,787 circuit kilometers. Moreover, there are plans to increase the by 32,250 MW during the same period.
The forecast for India in FY23-27 is to increase 114,000 circuit km and 1,000 MW of HVDC bi-pole capacity. By the conclusion of FY27, it is anticipated that the transmission capacity will reach 570,000 circuit km. According to the CEA, 14,625 circuit km of transmission lines were added in FY23, exceeding the target of 14,581 circuit km. During FY24, a total of 14,203 circuit km was included, falling short of the 16,682 target.
At the conclusion of FY32, the transmission line length is projected to rise, reaching a total of 648,190 circuit km. The HVDC bi-pole capacity is projected to increase to 66,750 MW by 2031-32.