Land constraints prompt redesign of Ananthapuram-III REZ transmission scheme

The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) has approved a revised transmission scheme for the Ananthapuram-III Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), reducing Phase-I capacity to 3 GW and replacing the proposed 765 kV Bidadi link with an alternative corridor due to land constraints flagged by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).

PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL), the project’s bid process coordinator, informed Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) that land was unavailable to upgrade the existing 400/220 kV Bidadi gas-insulated substation (GIS) to 765 kV. KPCL stated that the available land at Bidadi had already been allocated for a waste-to-energy plant, a 20 MW solar power project and future expansion. Severe Right of Way (RoW) constraints were also anticipated for new 765 kV corridors originating from Bidadi. NCT ordered a review, and a joint study was held in Bengaluru on January 7–8, 2026, with key southern region stakeholders.

The revised configuration centred on a new 765/400 kV GIS substation near Malur in Karnataka, replacing Bidadi as the primary evacuation node. The scheme now includes a 765 kV double-circuit line from Ananthapuram-III to Krishnagiri, establishment of the Malur substation hub and multiple 400 kV connections from Malur to substations in the Bengaluru area. These connections will largely utilise existing corridors, with conversion of towers to multi-circuit configurations.

CTUIL noted that RoW challenges and extended shutdown requirements would remain on certain stretches. To mitigate implementation risk, it proposed limiting Phase-I evacuation capacity to 3 GW, compared to the earlier plan of 4.5 GW. The estimated cost of the revised Phase-I scheme is approximately ₹2,659 crore.

The balance 4.5 GW capacity is proposed to be developed under a separate Phase-II scheme following further studies.

After deliberations, NCT approved the modified scheme titled “Transmission System for integration of Ananthapuram-III PS REZ Phase-I (3 GW).” The committee directed CTUIL to finalise a separate scheme for the remaining 4.5 GW under Phase-II within three months, in consultation with KPTCL and other stakeholders.

The featured photograph is for representation only.