The growth momentum seen in new substation capacity addition during the current fiscal year was sustained in November 2025.
According to latest statistics released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), during the first eight months (8M: April to November) of current fiscal year FY26, a total of 60,260 MVA of new substation capacity was added, marking an impressive 55.3 per cent growth over the comparable performance of FY25. [Statistics relate to substations of 220kV or higher, only]
However, the actual addition in 8MFY26 could meet only 75.8 per cent of the 79,478 MVA planned for the period.
The highlight of substation capacity addition during FY26 so far has been its concentration in the 765kV class. Over 57 per cent of the total addition was seen in the 765kV voltage class, implying significant augmentation of transformation capacity on the interstate transmission system (ISTS) network. In absolute terms, 34,500 MVA of 765kV transformation capacity was commissioned in 8MFY26, more than thrice the actual achievement in 8MFY25 that stood at 10,500 MVA.
It may be mentioned that the performance with respect to 765kV transmission line addition during FY26 has been a picture of contrast. It is very likely that FY26 will close with a massive deficit in 765kV line addition. (Read tndindia.com story dated December 22, 2025)
Speaking of 765kV substation capacity addition, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) commissioned as much as 30,000 MVA, largely through its interstate TBCB projects. The remaining 4,500 MVA came from the private sector with Megha Engineering & Infrastructures with 3,000 MVA and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (1,500 MVA) being the contributors.
For the full year FY26, total transformation capacity addition at 765kV level is expected to be 59,000 MVA with PGCIL alone expected to commission 51,000 MVA. Across all voltage levels, a total of 1,26,007 MVA has been planned, potentially making it the highest-ever substation capacity addition in any fiscal year thus far.
As noted earlier, the intrastate network has benefited from substation capacity addition this year. Out of the 60,260 MVA added in 8MFY26, over 63 per cent (or 38,005 MVA) has been commissioned on the ISTS network. It is likely that FY26 would end with record substation capacity augmentation on the ISTS side. In recent history, FY18 holds the record with 44,590 MVA of transformation capacity was added on the ISTS network.
Featured photograph (source: MPPTCL) is for representation only