PGCIL Drives Massive 765 kV Substation Expansion

India’s interstate transmission system (ISTS) has recorded a major increase in transformation capacity, according to the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

From April to October FY26, the country added 52,625 MVA of transformation capacity at 220 kV and above. Of this, 64 percent—33,505 MVA—was added to the ISTS network, surpassing the total ISTS additions achieved in both FY23 and FY24. This momentum suggests that ISTS capacity additions in FY26 will exceed last year’s level of 39,335 MVA.

A key driver of this growth has been the significant expansion of 765 kV substations. Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) alone contributed 30,000 MVA during the first seven months of FY26. “PGCIL continues to drive growth with its ISTS-TBCB schemes,” the CEA noted.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.