Assessment of Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure Adequacy in India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Power released an assessment of transmission and distribution infrastructure adequacy to meet rising electricity demand, especially during peak load conditions. The assessment highlights capacity additions and planned expansions under the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024 and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
Background
Electricity generation is a de-licensed activity under Section 7 of the Electricity Act, 2003, allowing any generating company to set up, operate, and maintain a generating station without a license, subject to technical standards for grid connectivity. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Ministry of Power (MoP) periodically assess infrastructure adequacy.
Key facts
Under Section 7 of the Electricity Act, 2003, setting up a power plant is a de-licensed activity; companies must comply with technical standards for grid connectivity.
The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024 outlines transmission system requirements for 2023-2032, projecting network expansion from 5.09 lakh ckm (June 2026) to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032.
Transformation capacity is expected to increase from 1,478 GBA (June 2026) to 2,345 GBA by 2032.
Inter-regional transmission capacity is planned to rise from 120 GW (June 2026) to 168 GW by 2032.
Distribution substation capacity at 66/33/22 kV level is planned to increase from 605 GVA (March 2026) to 711 GVA by 2030 and 872 GVA by 2035.
Distribution transformer capacity is planned to increase from 895 GVA (March 2026) to 1,135 GVA by 2030 and 1,631 GVA by 2035.
11 kV feeder length is planned to increase from 55.35 lakh ckm (March 2026) to 61.60 lakh ckm by 2030 and 70.77 lakh ckm by 2035.
LT lines are planned to increase from 84.75 lakh ckm (March 2026) to 95.69 lakh ckm by 2030 and 111.67 lakh ckm by 2035.
The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched in July 2021 provides financial assistance for distribution infrastructure upgrade and smart metering; projects worth ₹1.53 lakh crore for loss reduction and ₹1.31 lakh crore for smart metering have been approved.
Transmission projects are monitored through periodic reviews by CTUIL, CEA, and MoP, and via the Project Monitoring Group (DPIIT) and PRAGATI portal.
Prelims pointers
- Electricity Act, 2003
- Section 7 of Electricity Act, 2003
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
- National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024
- Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) – launched July 2021
- PRAGATI portal (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
- Project Monitoring Group under DPIIT
- CTUIL – Central Transmission Utility of India Limited
- Inter-regional transmission capacity target: 168 GW by 2032
- Transmission network unit: ckm (circuit km); transformation capacity unit: GBA
Mains angles
- GS3 Infrastructure: Assess the adequacy of transmission and distribution infrastructure in meeting India's growing electricity demand, especially peak load.
- GS3 Energy: Discuss the role of the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024 in strengthening the power transmission network.
- GS2 Government Policies: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in improving distribution utilities' operational efficiency and financial viability.
- GS3 Infrastructure: Examine the monitoring mechanisms for timely implementation of transmission and generation projects, including PRAGATI and Project Monitoring Group.