India’s power transmission network crosses 5 lakh circuit km

India’s national power transmission network has achieved a significant milestone, crossing 5 lakh (500,000) circuit kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines rated at 220 kV and above, as reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on January 14, 2026.

The milestone was achieved with the commissioning of a 628 ckm, 765 kV transmission line from Bhadla II to Sikar II in Rajasthan. The line has been developed to evacuate renewable energy from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone and enables additional evacuation of 1,100 MW of power from solar projects located in Bhadla, Ramgarh, and Fatehgarh.

The expansion marks continued growth of the world’s largest synchronous national grid. Since April 2014, the transmission network has expanded by 71.6%, with the addition of 2.09 lakh ckm of transmission lines and an increase of 876 GVA in transformation capacity. Inter regional power transfer capacity has reached 1,20,340 MW, supporting seamless electricity transfer across regions under the One Nation One Grid One Frequency framework.

Further strengthening of the grid is underway through a large pipeline of projects. Inter state transmission projects currently under implementation are expected to add around 40,000 ckm of lines and 399 GVA of capacity. Intra state transmission projects are projected to contribute an additional 27,500 ckm and 134 GVA. These additions are aimed at supporting India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non fossil fuel based generation capacity by 2030.

According to PIB release, the milestone reflects ongoing government efforts to enhance the reliability, affordability, and security of electricity supply, while enabling large scale integration of renewable energy into the national grid.

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