Over 2,000 ckm of new transmission lines were commissioned during the first two months (2M: April-May) of FY27, with state utilities clearly dominating.
According to latest data released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the total addition of transmission lines (of 220kV or above) during 2MFY27 stood at 2,022 ckm. This, however, fell short of the planned addition of 2,685 ckm.
State utilities put up an encouraging show by commissioning 1,164 ckm of lines – mainly in the 400kV and 220kV voltage class.
Granular data suggests that Maharashtra state transco (MSETCL) made a significant contribution by commissioning its 400kV double-circuit Babhleshwar—Kudus intrastate line, spanning 456 ckm. In the 400kV category, another 365 ckm was commissioned in the state sector with contributions from the state transcos of Uttar Pradesh (193 ckm) and Uttarakhand (172 ckm).
Maharashtra is aggressively pursuing the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) model for development of its intrastate grid. So far, as per tndindia.com’s internal research, eight intrastate-TBCB schemes have been formally awarded in Maharashtra to a diverse community of developers that includes the state transco MSETCL, PGCIL and private developers. During FY27, at least 15 more schemes are likely to follow suit.
With this, Maharashtra can look forward to TBCB making an important contribution to Maharashtra’s intrastate infrastructure – both lines and substations – from FY28 onwards. It is also worth mentioning that Maharashtra has lined up even 765kV infrastructure under the TBCB model.
Returning to the overall 2MFY27 performance, PGCIL commissioned 792 ckm of new lines, including 508 ckm in the 765kV class and 284 ckm of 400kV lines. It may be noted that during FY27 as a whole, PGCIL has targeted to commission close to 4,800 ckm of lines with Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), the only other Central PSU associated with power transmission, not planning any new addition in FY27.
Projection for FY27
During the whole of FY27 (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027), a total of 16,554 ckm of new transmission lines are planned for commissioning that would be 36 per cent higher than the 12,139 ckm actually commissioned in FY26.
While PGCIL is expected to add 4,799 ckm in FY27, mostly in the 765kV category, the private sector is seen contributing 4,437 ckm. The state government sector is expected to make the biggest contribution – at 7,318 ckm, albeit dominated by the 220kV class.
Featured photograph is for representation only