UHV Upgrade: CPRI Pushes for Rs 2,375 Cr Testing Expansion

The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) has proposed a significant expansion of its testing infrastructure to support ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission systems up to 1,200 kV. Originally presented to the Union power ministry in September 2025, the proposal was recently reviewed by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT), which recommended that CPRI collaborate with the Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL) to align the new facilities with national transmission planning.

CPRI’s initial cost estimate of Rs 1,924.67 crore was revised to approximately Rs 2,375 crore in October 2025. The plan includes a Rs 1,425-crore synthetic test facility at the Bengaluru High Power Laboratory, a Rs 500-crore system equipment test facility in Hyderabad, and a Rs 450-crore 1,200-kV double-circuit tower testing station in Nagpur. According to CPRI, these facilities will strengthen India’s self-reliance in UHV testing infrastructure and enhance capabilities in testing, certification, and R&D. The NCT also assessed the possibility of categorizing the project under “power transmission.”

News by Rahul Yelligetti.