Power Grid approves ₹856.94 Cr reconductoring project for TN lines
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd secured internal approval for a ₹856.94 crore reconductoring project targeting 400kV lines in Tamil Nadu. The Committee of Directors on Investment on Projects cleared the additional capital expenditure on August 05, 2026, with a commissioning target of February 11, 2028. The project utilizes HTLS conductors to enhance capacity on existing infrastructure.

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Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd has approved a ₹856.94 crore investment to upgrade critical transmission infrastructure in Tamil Nadu through a reconductoring project. The company’s Committee of Directors on Investment on Projects granted approval during its meeting on August 05, 2026, marking a significant capital allocation aimed at enhancing grid capacity and reliability in the southern region.
The approved initiative involves the reconductoring of the Tirunelveli – Udumalpet and Pugalur - Madurai 400kV double-circuit lines using High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors. This technical upgrade is designed to increase the thermal rating of existing towers without requiring new right-of-way acquisitions, thereby optimizing asset utilization. The expenditure will be booked under Additional Capital Expenditure, reflecting the company’s strategy to expand network capabilities through targeted infrastructure enhancements rather than greenfield expansion alone.
Project Details and Timeline
The project is structured for rapid execution, with a strict commissioning deadline set within 24 months from the date of project allocation. This timeline places the expected completion date by February 11, 2028. The use of HTLS conductors is a strategic choice, allowing for higher current-carrying capacity on existing infrastructure, which is crucial for managing increasing power demand in the region while minimizing environmental and social impacts associated with new tower construction.
| Project Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Reconductoring of Tirunelveli – Udumalpet and Pugalur - Madurai 400kV D/c lines with HTLS conductor |
| Estimated Cost | ₹856.94 Crore |
| Approval Body | Committee of Directors on Investment on Projects |
| Approval Date | August 05, 2026 |
| Commissioning Target | By February 11, 2028 (within 24 months) |
| Expenditure Category | Additional Capital Expenditure |
Regulatory Disclosure
The investment approval was disclosed to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The disclosure was issued by Anjana Luthra, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, underscoring the formal governance process behind the capital allocation decision.
What the Numbers Show
The ₹856.94 crore outlay represents a focused capital deployment on brownfield upgrades rather than new line construction. By selecting HTLS technology for these specific 400kV corridors, Power Grid is likely addressing thermal bottlenecks that constrain power transfer from generation hubs in Tamil Nadu to load centers. The tight 24-month execution window suggests a prioritized schedule, potentially linked to seasonal power demand cycles or upcoming generation capacity additions in the region that require immediate evacuation support.
Historical Stock Returns for Power Grid Corporation of India
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.58% | -1.24% | -1.28% | -2.64% | -2.15% | +114.36% |
How will the increased thermal rating of these 400kV lines impact Power Grid's ability to evacuate power from upcoming renewable energy projects in Tamil Nadu?
What are the potential supply chain risks for procuring High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors, and could they threaten the strict February 2028 commissioning deadline?
Will this reconductoring project trigger a broader shift in Power Grid's capital allocation strategy away from greenfield tower construction toward brownfield upgrades across other Indian regions?

































