State transco Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL) has begun reconductoring of critical 132kV transmission lines in the Gwalior region.
In a release, MPPTCL said that in view of rising power demand in Gwalior city and surrounding areas and the increasing power flows on the transmission network, the state transco has begun capacity enhancement of the critical 132kV transmission network.
Under this project, the existing ACSR Panther conductors on the transmission lines are being replaced with advanced high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors. Upon completion, the power transfer capability of these lines can increase by up to approximately three times, the release said.
Nearly 40 ckm to be taken up first
Reconductoring has begun on the 132kV double-circuit double-support (DCDS) Mahalgaon–Tighra and Mahalgaon–Motijheel circuits emanating from the 220kV Mahalgaon substation.
Across approximately 39.8 circuit-km of the line, existing ACSR Panther conductors are being replaced with Panther-equivalent HTLS conductors. This will raise the ampacity (current-carrying capacity) of these critical lines and enable transmission of higher power over the existing network.
Complemented by substation upgrade
Alongside reconductoring, the associated feeder bays and equipment at the connected substations are also being uprated to support the higher current flow.
Upgradation work has been initiated on two 132kV feeder bays at the 220kV Mahalgaon substation, one at the 132kV Motijheel substation, and one at the 132kV Tighra substation. This will ensure that the ratings of the line and the substation equipment are properly matched, the release said.
HTLS conductor vs conventional conductor
The current-carrying capacity of HTLS conductors is significantly higher than that of conventional ACSR conductors. As a result, roughly three times more power can be transmitted within the same corridor of the existing transmission lines. With this technology, the capacity of the existing network is being increased without developing a new transmission corridor.
HTLS conductors can operate at higher temperatures than conventional ACSR conductors, and their sag at elevated temperatures remains comparatively low. Owing to the conductor’s higher thermal current rating, more power can be transmitted over the existing transmission network.
Better power flow management
“Increased capacity of the critical 132kV lines through HTLS conductors will allow better management of power flows and provide additional operational margin on these lines. The upgradation of the associated switchyard and feeder bay equipment will also ensure effective utilisation of the enhanced transfer capability,” observed Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar.
Growing demand amidst RoW challenges
Rapid urban expansion in Gwalior, together with growing construction and industrial activity, is causing a steady rise in power demand. At the same time, acquiring right of way (RoW) for new transmission corridors is becoming increasingly challenging. In this context, enhancing capacity within the existing transmission corridor is an important technical option.
Transmission line network in MP
According to information previously released by MPPTCL, the state transco had a transmission line network of 43438 ckm, as of August 31, 2026. Of this, 132kV lines had a majority share of 56 per cent.
Featured collage (photo source: MPPTCL) shows ongoing reconductoring work on 132kV lines in Gwalior region, Madhya Pradesh