India’s power transmission network is projected to reach 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032, up from 5.09 lakh ckm as of June 2026, it was recently informed in Parliament.
In a written reply given in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, Shripad Naik, minister of state for power, the country’s power transmission network (of 220kV or higher) is likely to grow from 5.09 lakh ckm as of June 2026 to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032. Likewise, transformation capacity (220kV or above) is projected to grow from 1478 GVA to 2345 GVA, by the same comparison.
By 2032, India’s projected peak electricity demand is expected to touch 388 GW, the reply stated.
The reply noted that during the last three fiscal years, a total of 35,172 ckm of transmission lines and 27,0174 MVA of substation capacity has been commissioned, considering voltage level of 220kV or above.
Of this addition, around 45 per cent of transmission lines and 53 per cent of transformation capacity has been on the interstate transmission system (ISTS) network. (See table).
Grid modernization
Regarding grid modernization and smart-grid technologies, the reply noted that advanced grid support technologies such as static synchronous compensators (STATCOM), synchronous condensers (SynCon), and other flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices are being deployed to enhance voltage stability, improve system strength, and support reliable integration of renewable energy. Further, several measures have been taken to facilitate renewable energy integration, including establishment of Regional Energy Management Centres (REMCs) for renewable forecasting and real-time grid management, implementation of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and Ancillary Services (SRAS/TRAS) for frequency regulation and balancing etc.
Distribution infrastructure
In another reply, concerning power distribution, the ministry said that electricity being a concurrent subject, the supply and distribution of electricity is the responsibility of the respective state government/distribution utility. Hence, it is the responsibility of respective distribution utilities to take necessary measures to maintain an adequate and efficient distribution system in its area of operation.
In the context of distribution infrastructure build-up, the minister noted that as per the perspective plan prepared by CEA based on expected demand, the substation capacity at 66/33/22kV level is planned to be augmented from 605 GVA (as on March 2026) to 711 GVA by 2030 and 872 GVA by 2035.
Distribution transformer capacity is seen increasing from from 895 GVA to 1,135 GVA by 2030 and 1,631 GVA by 2035. The 11 kV feeder length is projected to grow from 55.35 lakh ckm to 61.60 lakh ckm by 2030 and 70.77 lakh ckm by 2035, and LT lines from 84.75 lakh ckm to 95.69 lakh ckm by 2030 and 111.67 lakh ckm by 2035.
Featured photograph (source: MPPTCL/MP Transco) is for representation only