The Union power ministry has approved over 20 interstate transmission system (ISTS) projects, with an aggregate investment outlay of nearly Rs.16,000 crore. Approval has also been given to a new substation at Siot in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
Power minister R.K. Singh gave approval to 23 new ISTS power transmission projects with an aggregate outlay of Rs.15,893 crore, a government release said.
Most of these projects, both in terms of number of project cost, will be developed using the TBCB modality. (See table) In normal course, the projects under the RTM route will be assigned to Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL).
RE Evacuation
These new transmission schemes, among other things, aim to facilitate evacuation of electricity from 14 GW of upcoming renewable energy capacity in Rajasthan and 4.5 GW of such capacity in Gujarat. Transmission infrastructure will also be set up for the 1-GW Neemuch Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, a new substation at Siot (Rajouri district, UT of J&K) will also ensure power supply to the areas of Akhnoor and Jammu.
Standard Procedure
These projects were approved after examining the recommendations of the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) and in accordance with the National Tariff Policy 2016, notified by the Central Government, which provides that ISTS project is developed through TBCB, except for certain projects that are strategic, involve technical upgrade or are time-bound in nature. Such projects come under the RTM category.
Also read: CTUIL Empowered To Approve ISTS Schemes Up To Rs.100 Crore
Latest TBCB status
According to latest government reports, a total of 59 interstate/interregional power transmission projects have been approved under the TBCB route, as of October 31, 2021. Of these, 37 were completed while the remaining 18 were under construction. No progress has been recorded on four projects for reasons like project cancellation, litigation, etc.
Featured photograph (source: KEC International) is for representation only