NCT weighs doubling reverse flow on Raigarh-Pugalur HVDC link
The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) is examining a proposal to double the reverse power flow capacity of the Raigarh-Pugalur High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link, aiming to strengthen the transfer of renewable energy from southern to western India.
The proposal was reviewed at the NCT’s 40th meeting. It seeks to increase reverse flow capacity from 3,000 MW to 6,000 MW, with an estimated cost ranging from Rs 1,458 crore to Rs 1,578 crore, depending on whether an existing transmission line can be reused. If implemented, the Total Transfer Capability between the Southern and Western regions could reach around 15,000 MW.
The plan is based on the final report of a specially constituted committee and is subject to several conditions. It depends on the implementation of a Western Region–Eastern Region inter-regional transmission expansion scheme, which is currently under bidding. It also requires system strengthening at Karur in the Southern Region to support additional renewable energy integration.
At the Raigarh end, further works are needed, including the possible relocation of a generation unit at Adani Power’s Korba West facility. The NCT has asked that the proposal be discussed with stakeholders to build consensus, particularly on the allocation of transmission charges.
The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) has been tasked with preparing a detailed scheme outlining responsibilities before a final decision is taken. Separately, the committee noted that overload issues affecting certain interconnecting transformers would be addressed independently and are not linked to approval of the HVDC upgrade.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
