The quantum of 765kV lines added in FY24 has surpassed the target set for the period, according to recent statistics released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
For FY24, the target for 765kV line addition was 2,076 ckm against which the actual achievement was 2,119 ckm – implying that the target was exceeded by 2.1 per cent.
Every ownership group – Central government, state government and private sector – contributed to 765kV line addition in FY24.
However, it is interesting to note that it was the private sector was responsible for surpassing of the overall target. It is even more noteworthy that the entire 765kV line addition by the private sector came solely from the Adani Group.
As against the target of 1,659 ckm set for the private sector, actual addition (all by Adani Group) was 1,878 ckm. This private sector entity commissioned the following five 765kV transmission lines in FY24:
- Hyderabad — Kurnool (D/C: 335 ckm)
- Warangal (New) — Chilakaluripeta (D/C: 392 ckm)
- Warangal (New) — Hyderabad (D/C: 268 ckm)
- Warora (Pool) – Warangal (New) (D/C: 665 ckm)
- Khavda GIS Pooling Station — Bhuj Pooling Station (D/C: 218 ckm)
As discussed in a recent separate story “ISTS-TBCB market sees hectic activity in FY24,” Adani Group commissioned three interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes in FY24 of which the aforementioned 765kV lines were part.
The Central government ownership, entirely represented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), commissioned 228 ckm of 765kV lines as against the target of 404 ckm. It is notable that this 228 ckm of 765kV lines is part of the intrastate grid of Uttar Pradesh. Two single-circuit 765kV lines — Rampur to Ghatampur and Rampur to Hapur – were commissioned. Both are part of an intrastate transmission system (InSTS) project housed under “Mohanlalganj Transmission Ltd” that was awarded to PGCIL under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
State government agencies, represented fully by Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Ltd (TANTRANSCO), commissioned 13 ckm of 765kV lines.
The 2,119 ckm of 765kV lines commissioned in FY24 was 28 per cent higher than the comparable 1,655 ckm in FY23.
Overall performance
Considering all voltages – 220kV, 400kV and 765kV – India had planned to add 16,682 ckm of transmission lines. The actual addition, at 14,203 ckm, implied target achievement of 85 per cent. Shortfall was seen in both 220kV and 400kV categories. No HVDC lines were commissioned in FY24, and none were planned for the year.
Share of 765kV
As of March 31, 2024, India’s power transmission network (voltage 220kV or higher) stood at 4,85,544 ckm out of which 765kV lines, at 54,797 ckm, had a share of 11.3 per cent.
Also read: 765kV Transmission Lines Stage Comeback In FY22
Featured photograph is for representation only.
