The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the draft CEA (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
As per the draft amendment, a key revision includes the updated right of way (RoW) requirements for various voltage levels ranging from 66 kV to 1200 kV and high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems up to ±800 kV. The amendment provides separate RoW norms for different terrains including normal routes, forest areas, urban/populated areas, and substation approach sections, across both lattice and pole tower structures using conventional and high-performance conductors such as CFCC, ACSS, and GAP. The RoW specifications are based on design spans, conductor types, and string configurations, and take into account safety parameters such as minimum live metal clearance, ground clearance, corona loss, electromagnetic field exposure limits, and audible noise. The amendment also mandates compliance with the CEA (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 and the guidelines for rationalised use of high-performance conductors.