With a portfolio of five interstate transmission projects, including one commissioned, G R Infraprojects Ltd (GRIL) is emerging as a leading private transmission developer. In this exclusive interaction, we have Saurabh Kaushik, Business Head – Power T&D, G R Infraprojects Ltd, telling us more on GRIL’s power transmission projects currently under implementation, and the company’s plans of extending its footprint to the intrastate transmission space. GRIL is now well poised to scale up its presence in the power transmission space and support India’s renewable energy evacuation goals, feels Saurabh Kaushik.
What is the broad current status on GRIL’s latest ISTS scheme “Rajgarh Neemuch Transmission Ltd” on aspects like land acquisition and statutory clearances?
GRIL acquired Rajgarh Neemuch Transmission Ltd from REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd on September 29, 2025. We have been able to strengthen our portfolio in a short time. Rajgarh Neemuch project is currently in the advance phase, with preliminary site surveys, route alignment, and feasibility studies nearing completion. We have also been able acquire land for the proposed Handiya substation which is in the scope of Rajgarh Neemuch.
We appreciate that the Rajgarh-Neemuch scheme would be the biggest in GRIL’s portfolio with respect to quantum of infrastructure creation, and therefore capital outlay? How is GRIL gearing up for project execution?
Key project implementation plans are in place to ensure timely delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The project activities and site mobilization have commenced. We are keen to complete the project within 24 months, in line with contractual timelines.
How are GRIL’s projects in Karnataka – Tumkur-II and Bijapur REZ – progressing?
Our projects in Karnataka are in advance stage with key statutory permissions in final stage. We are utilizing our technical capabilities to complete the project on time.
GRIL’s Pachora project, as we understand, is scheduled to commission in February 2026. Is the project on track for commissioning on schedule?
Pachora project is an expansion project to Rajgarh Transmission, our first transmission project. Although we have faced certain challenges including Right of Way, we are endeavored to complete the project as per the contractual timeline. With our robust and effective team, we have effectively mitigated the risk of delays due to RoW and other obstacles.
GRIL now has a portfolio of five interstate schemes, including one in operation. What have been the key learnings with respect to project management and execution?
Preliminary risk analysis is essential to identify prospective hurdles of RoW, land acquisitions, forest clearances which may become a cause of cost overrun and time overrun during project execution. It is important that digitalization and automation are made integral part of transmission sector as it will help improving the grid stability.
The experience gained by our team while executing the Rajgarh Project, GRIL’s first project, is being utilized progressively in other four under construction projects so as to deliver the project as per the prescribed timelines.
Land acquisition and securing right-of-way remains a perennial challenge for transmission service providers. The government has been trying to address the issue through various means like higher compensation to landowners, etc. How do you view the overall current situation?
Land acquisition and securing Right of Way (RoW) continue to be among the most persistent challenges in transmission development, often leading to time and cost overrun. While these challenges remain significant, the situation has meaningfully improved due to government interventions aimed at standardization of compensation of RoW through issuance of various guidelines.
The situation will significantly improve when state governments adopt these guidelines issued by Ministry of Power. Once the standardization in guidelines is established, it will give better understanding of RoW to prospective transmission service providers.
These guidelines can positively impact the issue of RoW by ensuring realistic and uniform compensation to landowners and by addressing market value disparities, especially seen in urban areas.
All this will contribute positively to smooth and timely project execution.
We observe that several EPC players, with expertise in BOT/HAM roadway projects are entering the power transmission sector through the TBCB framework. Do you see any inherent communality between these two areas, from a developer’s perspective?
As India moves towards its target to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity addition by 2030, the availability of strong transmission infrastructure is necessary. While roadway projects and transmission projects differ in terms of technical design and regulatory frameworks, there is a similarity in the form of project execution capabilities, foundation types, financing and completion in defined timelines.
We note with appreciation that GRIL has also been bidding for intrastate schemes under TBCB. How do you see the potential for intrastate projects given that several states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, etc have lined up TBCB projects?
Certainly, our focus is to diversify in intrastate projects and we are evaluating opportunities in states which are keen to invite private participation in transmission sector. We recently participated in one of the intrastate-TBCB projects of Maharashtra also.
Do you think that the entry of private sector players in power transmission development has improved project delivery in terms of time, cost and safety? Please discuss.
It is necessary that private players participation increase, which will help in reducing the tariff to the end consumers, provided the private players remain committed to the timelines. Private sector participation has improved the execution speed along with enhanced safety culture through adoption of strong supervision.
With significant experience in power transmission, would GRIL consider diversification into other power T&D areas like smart metering under RDSS, BESS, for instance?
GRIL is exploring the opportunities in renewable energy, BESS and the hydrogen value chain, so that it can leverage its transmission experience by applying project execution expertise. GRIL was recently awarded an EPC package related to BESS at an NTPC Thermal Power Station.
GRIL is known as one of the first rail and road-based companies to enter the power transmission sector. We are keen to explore all investment opportunities that fit into our investment criteria.
Power transmission is a key area in India’s overall infrastructure development, with massive capital investment planned. Given this, how do you see the years ahead for GRIL’s power transmission vertical?
India is entering into aggressive stage of transmission infrastructure to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity addition by 2030. In this scenario, the future presents significant opportunities for GRIL’s power transmission & distribution vertical, and we are well on track to scale up our presence in power transmission.
All project photographs seen in this interview show transmission elements of Rajgarh Transmission Ltd, a TBCB subsidiary of G R Infraprojects Ltd.