ASSESSMENTS ON ADEQUACY OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUCTURE

The Ministry of Power’s PIB release details the Government’s assessment of transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure to accommodate added generation capacity. The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024 projects the transmission network to grow from 5.09 lakh ckm (June 2026) to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032, with transformation capacity rising from 1,478 GVA to 2,345 GVA and inter‑regional capacity from 120 GW to 168 GW. The Central Electricity Authority’s perspective plan foresees sub‑station capacity at 66/33/22 kV increasing from 605 GVA (Mar 2026) to 711 GVA by 2030 and 872 GVA by 2035, along with upgrades to transformer capacity and feeder lengths. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, Rs 1.53 lakh crore for loss‑reduction and Rs 1.31 lakh crore for smart‑metering projects have been sanctioned. Monitoring mechanisms—including CTUIL, CEA, the Project Monitoring Group, PRAGATI portal, Jal Vidyut Amrit, and PROPMT portal—are cited to ensure timely completion of transmission, hydro, and thermal projects. The release also notes improvements in supply hours, AT&C loss reduction, and renewable‑energy share, reflecting progress in electricity access and energy security.