The Ministry of Power provided a comprehensive assessment of India's transmission and distribution infrastructure adequacy in response to a parliamentary query. The document outlines significant expansion plans and recent achievements in India's power sector infrastructure.
Transmission Infrastructure Expansion
Under the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), 2024, the transmission network is planned to expand from 5.09 lakh circuit kilometers (ckm) as of June 2026 to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032. Transformation capacity is targeted to increase from 1,478 GVA to 2,345 GVA during the same period. Inter-regional transmission capacity is planned to grow from 120 GW to 168 GW by 2032.
Distribution Infrastructure Enhancement
The perspective plan prepared by Central Electricity Authority projects substation capacity at 66/33/22 kV level to increase from 605 GVA (March 2026) to 711 GVA by 2030 and 872 GVA by 2035. Distribution transformer capacity is planned to grow from 895 GVA to 1,135 GVA by 2030 and 1,631 GVA by 2035. The 11 kV feeder length is targeted to expand from 55.35 lakh ckm to 61.60 lakh ckm by 2030 and 70.77 lakh ckm by 2035, while LT lines are planned to increase from 84.75 lakh ckm to 95.69 lakh ckm by 2030 and 111.67 lakh ckm by 2035.
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme
Under the RDSS launched in July 2021, projects worth ₹1.53 lakh crore for loss reduction infrastructure and ₹1.31 lakh crore for smart metering works have been sanctioned across the country, totaling ₹2.84 lakh crore in investments.
Monitoring Mechanisms
The government has established multiple monitoring mechanisms including periodic reviews by CTUIL, CEA, and Ministry of Power. The Project Monitoring Group under DPIIT and PRAGATI portal facilitate resolution of implementation challenges. Specific monitoring systems include Jal VidyutAmrit portal for hydro projects and PROMPT Portal for thermal projects launched on August 20, 2024.
Performance Achievements
Significant improvements have been achieved: average hours of supply in rural areas increased from 12.5 hours in FY14 to 22.6 hours in FY26, while urban areas improved from 22.1 hours to 23.4 hours. Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses reduced from 22.62% in FY14 to 15.04% in FY25. The ACS-ARR gap narrowed sharply from ₹0.78 per unit in FY14 to ₹0.06 per unit in FY25. On July 29, 2025, India achieved 51.5% renewable energy share in electricity generation, meeting 203 GW demand. Record capacity addition of 64,695 MW was achieved in FY25-26, with 50,905 MW from renewable sources (excluding large hydro). Energy shortage declined to 0.0% in FY25-26 from 4.2% in FY13-14. India achieved its COP-26 commitment of 50% installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 timeline.
Current Capacity Addition
During FY 2026-27 (till June 2026), total capacity addition stood at 16,161.26 MW, comprising 2,260 MW from thermal (coal-based), 650 MW from hydro, and 13,251.26 MW from renewable sources (excluding hydro).