Transmission highways: Powering India's energy transition
India's electricity transmission network is the unsung hero of its green energy transition. Partnering solar parks and wind farms, it is the growing network of transmission lines built to evacuate this green electricity that ensures power flows seamlessly from generation centres to our homes, offices, schools and manufacturing hubs.
As India accelerates towards its ambitious target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a net-zero carbon footprint target by 2070, the strength, reach, and resilience of its power transmission backbone will determine how effectively the generated power reaches industries, cities, and rural communities alike for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
India's transmission network
India operates one of the world's largest synchronised power grids. As of March 2024, the country had over 817,000 circuit km of high-voltage transmission lines (220 kV and above), and AC substation capacity exceeding 1,200 GVA. The total inter-regional power transfer capacity has surged to over 116,000 MW from 75,000 MW in 2016-17 which reflects consistent investment and expansion.
There has been a 46 per cent increase in per capita electricity consumption from 957 kWh in 2014 to 1,395 kWh in 2024 with a corresponding 84 per cent increase in total power generation capacity from 249 GW to 452.69 GW. With power demand forecasted to reach 4,000 kWh by 2033 there is an urgent requirement to modernize legacy systems and integrate renewable energy sources.
The Government of India has finalised the National Electricity Plan (2023 – 2032) for Central and State transmission systems to meet a peak demand of 458 GW by 2032 which. The plan provides for a 32 per cent expansion of transmission network in the country from 4.91 lakh circuit km to 6.48 lakh circuit km. Rapid strengthening of power transmission infrastructure will continue to be critical in achieving our goal of sustainable economic development with power to all.
Powering the renewable revolution
India's commitment to renewable energy is reflected in the growth of its transmission infrastructure. Non-fossil fuel power capacity surged by 180 per cent from 80 GW in 2014 to 220 GW in 2025. To accommodate this influx, the transmission network has been upgraded with advanced technologies like High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS). HVDC corridors have enabled bulk power transfers over long distances with minimal losses.
These links transport renewable energy generated in remote areas to urban demand centres powering green energy economy. As many renewable projects are located in remote areas of Rajasthan or Gujarat, far from consumption hubs, supporting transmission links are essential. A 2023 report from the Central Electricity Authority highlighted that transmission lags have already delayed over 13 GW of renewable energy from reaching the grid.
Innovations powering a resilient grid
Integrating advanced technologies such as Voltage Source Converter-based HVDC systems, FACTS devices, synchronous condensers, and large-scale energy storage solutions e.g. battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped hydro is essential to ensure grid stability.
Deployment of smart grid solutions including real-time monitoring systems, AI-based predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled sensors for intelligent grid diagnostics enhance the overall efficiency of our infrastructure. Additionally, usage of dynamic line rating (DLR) to optimise the transmission capacity based on live weather data, ensuring greater operational flexibility.
Looking ahead, the expected 70.5 GW additional load from green hydrogen and ammonia production by 2031–32 underscores the need for comprehensive and forward-looking grid planning. Recognising this, the government has released an updated Transmission Planning Criteria Manual through the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and announced an investment of over ₹9 trillion in transmission infrastructure by 2032.
Powering transmission across borders
India's transmission story extends beyond its borders. Cross-border transmission lines with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh already facilitate power-sharing, with India exporting 12 TWh of clean energy to neighbours in 2024. With further infrastructure, India can become a clean energy hub for South Asia. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates that regional interconnections could grow by 50 per cent by 2030, enabling India to export surplus renewable power while strengthening diplomatic and trade ties.
The grid must evolve
Public funding alone cannot meet this scale of expansion in transmission infrastructure. States shall have to monetize existing transmission assets by transferring them to private players under fixed-term models, unlocking capital for new projects. In 2025, such asset monetisation deals released ₹25,000 crore for grid modernization.
Regulators must also ensure stable, predictable returns for transmission investors. Unlike generation, transmission is capital-intensive with a long gestation period. A 2025 policy update by the Ministry of Power introduced tariff reforms to enhance investor confidence, targeting ₹2 lakh crore in private investment by 2030.
Smart infrastructure powering energy transition
India has a unique opportunity. Unlike many advanced economies burdened by ageing grids, India can build smart infrastructure from the ground up. In 2025, digital monitoring, AI-based grid controls, and automated substations are being integrated into new transmission projects.
Yet, the window to act is narrow. Rising demand, global supply chain constraints, and climate targets demand urgency. Every gigawatt delayed risks delaying India's climate goals. Transmission must be treated as a core infrastructure to power India's growth, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and emerge as a clean energy leader.
Transmission grids powering India's energy future
India's transmission network is more than just a network of conductors and cables, it is the backbone supporting our energy aspirations. As we continue our transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future, the grid will play a pivotal role in ensuring that power reaches every corner, from urban centres to remote villages.
As highways enabled trade and telecom lines powered digital India, power transmission networks will define India's energy future. Leading this transformation means building more invisible highways that carry India's clean energy ambitions forward.
Every megawatt generated is only useful if it travels to where it is needed.
(The author is Arun Sharma, CEO of Resonia Limited. Views are personal.)
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