Substation capacity addition more than doubles, 765kV voltage class dominates
- September 24, 2025
Over half of the new substation capacity added in the first five months of FY26 (April to August) pertained to the 765kV voltage class, implying a major boost to the interstate transmission system (ISTS) network.
According to latest statistics released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India added 37,905 MVA of substation (transformation) capacity in the April-August period of FY26 (5MFY26). Of this, as much as 21, 000 MVA or 55 per cent pertained to the 765kV class.
When compared to the 18,270 MVA commissioned in 5MFY25, overall substation capacity addition in 5MFY26 was more than double. The actual achievement in 5MFY26 of 37,905 MVA, however, fell short of the targeted 46,100 MVA by around 18 per cent. (See table).
Of the 21,000 MVA added in the 765kV voltage class, a total of 16,500 MVA was commissioned by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL). A significant portion of PGCIL’s contribution was through its ISTS-TBCB projects located in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The remaining 4,500 MVA was commissioned by Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL); the entire addition was in Gujarat, relating to RE evacuation schemes in the Khavda region.
State utilities also put up a commendable performance adding a total of 13,425 MVA of substation capacity in 5MFY26. This was not only 12.4 per cent higher than the 11,940 MVA commissioned in 5MFY25, it also surpassed the targeted 12,120 MVA by a respectable margin. Substations commissioned by state utilities were predominantly in the 220kV class (also including 230kV, as seen in Tamil Nadu).
Impact on ISTS network
Transformation capacity on the interstate transmission system (ISTS) network received a major boost in 5MFY26, thanks to the widespread commissioning of 765kV substations. In the said period, 23,320 MVA of transformation capacity was added to the ISTS grid, which represented nearly 62 per cent of the total addition in 5MFY26.
Empirically, transmission infrastructure addition to the ISTS grid has been generally lower than that in the intrastate transmission system (InSTS) network. For instance, in FY24 and FY25 (full year), substation capacity addition on the ISTS grid was roughly 45 per cent of the total addition.
For the current year FY26, it is very likely that ISTS-based substation capacity addition would exceed that on the intrastate side. This is in view of major ISTS schemes likely to get during the residual part of FY26 (September 2025 to March 2026).
According to estimates made by tndindia.com, over 90,000 MVA of substation capacity is likely to added to the ISTS network, through TBCB projects alone, in the period from September 2025 to March 2026. This is as per the original project commissioning schedules; time overruns are of course most likely.
FY26 target
The overall transformation capacity addition target for FY26 (full year) has been set at 1,26,007 MVA. Of this, Central government entities (mainly PGCIL) are expected to account for 62,005 MVA followed by the state sector with 43,497 MVA. Private entities are likely to contribute the remaining 20,505 MVA. It may be noted that the said FY26 target of 1,26,007 MVA represents a significant downward revision from the earlier envisaged 1,97,617 MVA. (Read tndindia.com special report dated August 22, 2025)
Also read: Substation capacity addition more than doubles in Q1FY26
Important Note: This story takes into account substations of 220kV or above only. Featured photograph (source: Godrej Enterprises Group) is for representation only.