State transco Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (MSETCL) has commissioned the 400kV Babhaleshwar–Kudus double-circuit transmission line, strengthening power infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
In a release, MSETCL said that this newly operational line is expected to enhance the stability, reliability and efficiency of power supply across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Ahilyanagar districts.
It is also expected to reduce transmission losses by approximately 5MW and improve voltage levels across the region.
The line has enabled an additional power transfer capacity of up to 3,000 MW to help manage rising electricity demand in the fast-growing MMR.
Delayed by over a decade
Originally approved in 2010 and targeted for completion by 2013, the project faced multiple delays due to technical and administrative challenges, only to be completed in March 2026.
Kalpataru Projects International Ltd carried out the execution, the release said. The project involved installation of 715 transmission towers across a total length of approximately 228 km (or 456 ckm).
Of these, 485 towers and 304 ckm of stringing work were completed under the Nashik division, while 230 towers and 152 ckm were completed under the Vashi division.
Project execution challenges included obtaining special permissions for passing through the vicinity of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune district. Other hurdles included land compensation issues, forest clearances, right-of-way constraints and logistical challenges in transporting materials. In forested areas, materials had to be transported manually, while in certain sections work was completed using advanced hotline stringing techniques.
Project benefits
The commissioning of this line reduced the load on the existing Padghe–Babhaleshwar transmission lines and improved overall grid reliability. It has also provided an additional power source to the Kudus substation to meet increasing electricity demand in the Mumbai region.
The MSETCL release credited the success of the project to cooperation and support from local public representatives, revenue authorities, police, and forest departments.
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