Role of Transmission in India's Power Sector

  Sansad TV   Apr 20, 2025  Add to Reading List

India has built one of the world’s largest synchronized power grids, with over 4 lakh circuit kilometers of transmission lines. As the country moves toward its goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, strengthening and modernizing the power transmission system is more important than ever.

A modern, unified, and smart power grid will ensure that clean energy reaches every corner of the country efficiently and reliably.

Understanding Power Transmission Basics

India’s power system has three key parts:

  1. Generation – Electricity is produced in thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable plants.

  2. Transmission – High-voltage lines carry electricity from power plants to substations across long distances.

  3. Distribution – Electricity is delivered from substations to homes, businesses, and factories.

Transmission acts as the middle link that keeps electricity flowing smoothly from producers to users. A strong transmission network helps prevent power loss, keeps electricity affordable, and supports the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

India’s Renewable Energy Goals

India is committed to installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. But generating green power is only part of the challenge. Delivering that power to where it's needed—especially from remote wind and solar farms—requires a modern, well-connected transmission system.

Upgrading the transmission network is key to making this green transition successful.

Smart Grids and Modern Tech

India is moving towards Smart Grids, which use digital technology to monitor and manage electricity in real-time. These grids can adjust power flows automatically, improve reliability, and prevent blackouts.

Advanced technologies such as:

  • 765 kV AC transmission lines

  • High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems

...help transfer electricity between areas with extra supply and areas with high demand, ensuring better balance and fewer losses.

India’s Unified Grid: One Nation, One Frequency

India’s journey to a unified national grid began in the 1960s, with the creation of five regional grids: Northern, Eastern, Western, North-Eastern, and Southern.

The formation of POWERGRID (Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.) in 1989 accelerated the integration. By 2019, with Leh-Ladakh connected, India completed the "One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency" goal. This integration has boosted power availability and strengthened the reliability of the entire network.

About POWERGRID

  • POWERGRID is a Maharatna company under the Government of India.

  • It manages over 85% of India’s interstate transmission system.

  • The company plays a central role in developing the country’s grid infrastructure and integrating renewable energy.

Challenges in the Transmission Sector

  1. Land and Right of Way (RoW) Issues

    • Acquiring land for transmission lines is often delayed due to local opposition and legal hurdles.

    • High compensation costs and long approval times slow down project execution.

  2. Supply Chain Limitations

    • There's a shortage of key materials and equipment like transformers and specialized steel.

    • Restrictions on imports from certain countries further limit options.

  3. Outdated Infrastructure

    • Many older lines and substations need upgrades.

    • In rural and remote areas, there’s often no reliable transmission system at all.

  4. Transmission Losses and Theft

    • Power loss occurs naturally during transmission, but theft also contributes significantly to inefficiency and financial losses.

The Way Forward

  1. Resolve Land Issues

    • The government has increased compensation for landowners and revised policies in 2024 to speed up approvals.

  2. Strengthen the Supply Chain

    • Focus is being placed on domestic production of critical equipment like CRGO steel and transformers.

  3. Upgrade Existing Infrastructure

    • Replace aging transmission lines and adopt newer technologies to reduce losses and enhance reliability.

  4. Expand the Network

    • Develop transmission lines in underserved areas to ensure everyone has access to electricity.

  5. Encourage Private Sector Participation

    • India plans to invest $100 billion in the transmission sector by 2032.

    • Private companies are expected to manage up to 50% of interstate transmission networks.

    • States like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are already awarding projects through competitive bidding.

✅ Conclusion

India’s power transmission system is at the heart of its energy future. To meet its renewable energy goals and support growing electricity demand, India must modernize its grid, attract private investment, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. A robust and smart transmission network will not only improve power delivery but also accelerate the country’s journey toward clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all.