Amid the accelerating energy transition, India’s transmission grid is evolving rapidly. Over the years, it has transformed from a fragmented network to one of the largest synchronous grids in the world. On the technology front, India’s grid is at par with best-in-class international utilities.
As India progresses towards its energy transition goals, non-fossil fuel-based capacity – currently at 235.5 GW, or close to 49.5 per cent of the total installed capacity – is projected to rise to more than 600 GW by 2032. Meeting these expansion targets will require a reliable and secure electricity grid for the seamless integration of renewable energy, along with the deployment of storage solutions.
India’s transmission network now stands at 497,552 ckt km and over 1,390 GVA (as of October 2025). The interregional transfer capacity has progressively expanded and now stands at 118,740 MW.
Technologies like wide area measurement systems, phasor measurement units and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) have been implemented for efficiency and grid reliability at the granular level. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and internet of things-based tools are improving grid management and resilience, and predictive maintenance solutions are increasingly transforming asset maintenance and making the grid smarter. As the generation profile of the grid changes, energy storage solutions will also need to be embedded into transmission investment plans for providing ancillary services such as congestion management and inertia support.
A significant ramp-up in transmission capacity is already under way. Over 191,000 ckt km of transmission lines and 1,270 GVA of transformation capacity (220 kV and above), and 33 GW of HVDC transformation capacity addition is projected to be added by 2031-32, as per the National Electricity Plan prepared by the Central Electricity Authority. Overall, an investment of over Rs 9 trillion
by 2032 is expected in inter- and intra-state transmission networks.
Power Line’s special section this month deliberates upon the key trends and developments in the power transmission segment, the major issues and challenges, and the future outlook.