We are closely evaluating opportunities in the intrastate transmission space: Apraava Energy
- March 13, 2026
Apraava Energy recently commissioned its first greenfield power transmission project, overcoming acute execution challenges. In this exclusive interaction, Naveen Munjal, Director – Business Development & Commercial, Apraava Energy, takes us through the newly-commissioned Fatehgarh-IV project and shares the company’s growth plans of its power transmission business, which includes potential entry in the intrastate power transmission space. Munjal asserts that Apraava Energy, which also has a significant presence in renewable energy generation, is committed to nation-building by delivering reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions. An interaction by Venugopal Pillai.
Apraava Energy recently commissioned the Fatehgarh-IV interstate scheme, which we understand is Apraava Energy’s first greenfield transmission scheme to be completed. Tell us about the experience – the challenges encountered and how they were overcome.
The commissioning of the Fatehgarh-IV project (22 km, 400kV transmission line and 400/220kV pooling substation) marks Apraava’s third operational transmission asset, further strengthening our low-carbon portfolio.
It forms a critical part of the transmission scheme for the evacuation of power from renewable energy zones (REZ) in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part A1 and will contribute meaningfully towards India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
The construction of the project was a steep learning experience, with myriad challenges. It was constructed amidst extreme weather conditions, land acquisition challenges for setting up the substation in the solar-rich Barmer region of Rajasthan, temporary demobilisation due to border-related tensions, and severe Right-of-Way (RoW) challenges.
Additionally, the project faced significant manpower constraints, as several infrastructure and renewable energy projects were being executed across Rajasthan during the same period, placing pressure on available resources. Despite these challenges, this project is one of the fastest to have been completed in Rajasthan among the various transmission schemes awarded under REZ Phase III in the state.
We were able to do so with the support from the government machinery, the Union ministry of power (MoP), Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL), along with the commitment and resilience of our project execution teams, whose dedication ensured that these obstacles were effectively addressed.
The Union power ministry has been issuing revised guidelines to expedite land acquisition and securing right-of-way. Do you see any on-ground impact of the same?
The Government of India has taken several steps over the past couple of years to support transmission service providers in addressing challenges related to land acquisition and RoW. The revised guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Power are a positive development in this regard. The new guidelines are expected to facilitate the speedy resolution of RoW issues, as they will enhance compensation for affected landowners in line with prevailing market rates.
However, while the intent of the policy is encouraging, its effective implementation on the ground will depend significantly on the active involvement and support of state governments and local administrations, as they play a critical role in resolving land-related issues and enabling project execution at the field level.
Transmission service providers, of late, have been highlighting constraints with respect to supply chain, especially EHV equipment like transformers, reactors, etc. What has been your experience?
While supply chain constraints have been a concern across the transmission sector, the impact on Apraava has been relatively limited so far. This is largely because we have adopted a selective approach to project participation and currently have a relatively small portfolio, with three transmission projects under construction. However, the impact was felt in 2024 and 2025, with the lead time for transformers and reactors going up to as much as 24-30 months. Currently, supply chain issues are more critical pertaining to bus post insulator (BPI), transformer bushings, and other critical equipment, which are causing delays in the commissioning of substations. There are also supply constraints for HVDC equipment, which are likely to impact upcoming HVDC projects.
Apraava Energy is a well-established player in interstate transmission schemes. Are you also viewing the intrastate space with several states planning the TBCB route for grid expansion?
Yes, we are closely evaluating opportunities in the intrastate transmission space. With several states increasingly adopting the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route to expand their transmission networks, the segment presents a growing opportunity for experienced transmission developers.
What is your overall outlook on the power transmission development space – both interstate and intrastate – and how do you see Apraava Energy expanding its presence in this segment?
With an aim to achieve the target set by the Government of India of 500 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030, we expect many new transmission projects to be notified for bidding in the interstate/intrastate segments to manage the power flow requirements.
However, we also expect a temporary slowdown in the interstate TBCB projects until the issues around pending PPAs of the renewable power projects are resolved and notable progress on projects already awarded or under construction is achieved.
Apraava aims to invest an equivalent of ~1 GW per year in India’s energy sector over the next few years. At present, the limited capacity of evacuation systems and transmission lines is one of the biggest constraints in the growth of the RE sector.
We will look at adding substations and transmission assets to our portfolio, which will further strengthen the RE ecosystem in India. Apraava remains committed to partnering with India to achieve its renewable energy and net-zero goals and to contribute to nation-building by delivering reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions.