The power ministry recently issued a communication outlining general element-wise implementation timelines for interstate transmission system (ISTS) projects.
This advisory follows from deliberations during the meeting of National Committee on Transmission (NCT) held on April 15, 2026. At the meeting, NCT standardized implementation timelines for various configurations of ISTS projects with a view to achieving better predictability and coordinated system development.
While the aforementioned timelines will generally hold true, some concessions have been provided in deserving cases. For instance, for hilly or tough terrains in northeastern region, Sikkim, UT of Jammu & Kashmir, UT of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, an additional 6-12 months may be added to the timelines mentioned, on need or merit basis.
The advisory also notes that in case a scheme has a combination of above-mentioned elements, the qualifying time schedule of the activity having maximum time period shall be considered for the scheme as a whole. However, in case of any exigency, compressed time schedule may be considered on case-to-case basis.
Better planning
The power ministry communication has advised generation/transmission developers, discoms, bulk load and other relevant stakeholders to take the above timelines into account while planning their generation/load schedules, financial closure, equipment procurement, and related milestones for better alignment with the corresponding transmission system.
NCT approval
As reported by tndindia.com on April 29, 2026, National Committee on Transmission had approved the above-mentioned implementation schedule. This has now received approval from the Union power ministry as discussed in the subject story.
Featured photograph (source: IndiGrid) is for representation only