The month of October 2021 saw significant addition to 765kV transmission line infrastructure, with PGCIL commissioning lines aggregating over 700 ckm.
According to latest statistics released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) commissioned 719 ckm of 765kV lines, making it the highest monthly achievement for the Central PSU in recent months.
The following 765kV lines were commissioned by PGCIL in October 2021
- LILO of both circuits of Ajmer-Bikaner line at Bhadla-II Pooling Station (527 ckm)
- Circuit 2 of Khetri-Jhatikara Line (146 ckm)
- LILO of both circuits of Fategarh-Bhadla line at Fatehgarh-II Pooling Station (40 ckm)
Thanks to the impressive build-up in October 2021, PGCIL saw cumulative achievement of 2,218 ckm of 765kV lines in the first seven months (April to October) of FY22. This exceeded the planned addition of 1,776 ckm by a wide margin.
During the first seven months of FY22, the private sector also contributed, albeit in small measure, to 765kV transmission line infrastructure. The lone commissioning was by Adani Power, in the form of the Bikaner-Khetri double-circuit line (481 ckm).
The total addition of 765kV lines in the April-October period of FY22 was 2,699 ckm, which however fell short of the planned 4,375 ckm. One reason for this overall shortfall could be the state government sector. This ownership class was expected to add 1,328 ckm of 765kV lines but closed the period with nil achievement. According to information available with T&D India, some state governments were expected to launch intrastate projects under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) but failed to do so.
Also read: Construction Work On 765kV Fatehgarh-Bhadla Line Complete
Overall performance
Across all ownership groups (Central, state and private) and voltage classes, India saw the addition of 8,731 ckm of transmission lines in the first seven months (April to October) of FY22. This, however, fell short of the planned addition of 15,286 ckm. For the full year FY22, the planned addition is 19,255 ckm. In FY21, India could add 16,750 ckm of transmission lines, exceeding the targeted 15,791 ckm.
(Featured photograph for illustration only)
