Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd announced the successful commissioning of a significant transmission infrastructure project by its wholly owned subsidiary POWERGRID Bhadla Sikar Transmission Limited. The company disclosed this development through a regulatory filing under SEBI Regulation 30 on January 16, 2026.

Project Details and Commissioning

The commissioned project involves the "Transmission system strengthening scheme for evacuation of Power from Solar energy Zones in Rajasthan (8.1GW) under Phase II – Part E." POWERGRID Bhadla Sikar Transmission Limited secured this Inter-State Transmission System project through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding, demonstrating the subsidiary's competitive capabilities in the transmission sector.

Commercial Operation Status

The transmission project achieved complete commissioning with effect from January 14, 2026. The Notification for Commercial Operation (DCO) was subsequently received via email on January 16, 2026, marking the formal commencement of commercial operations for this critical infrastructure.

Strategic Significance

This transmission system plays a crucial role in strengthening India's renewable energy infrastructure by facilitating the evacuation of solar power from Rajasthan's Solar Energy Zones. The project's 8.1GW capacity represents a substantial addition to the country's transmission network, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.

Corporate Structure

POWERGRID Bhadla Sikar Transmission Limited operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, executing specialized transmission projects through competitive bidding processes. The subsidiary's successful project completion demonstrates the parent company's operational excellence in transmission infrastructure development.

Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has successfully secured a major renewable energy transmission project in Karnataka, winning REC Power Development and Consultancy's (RECPDCL) auction to establish interstate transmission systems (ISTS) for integrating 3 GW of renewable energy capacity across two key locations in the state.

Project Overview and Timeline

The comprehensive project encompasses the integration of 250 MW of renewable energy at Davanagere and 2.75 GW at Bellary in Karnataka. POWERGRID must complete the entire project within 24 months from the scheduled commercial operation date, which is set at 24 months from the date of special purpose vehicle transfer.

Technical Scope at Davanagere Pooling Station

The project involves substantial infrastructure development at the Davanagere Pooling Station (PS). POWERGRID will augment the transformation capacity by installing 2×1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICTs (6th & 7th). The technical specifications include:

• Two 765/400 kV, 1500 MVA ICTs
• Two 765 kV ICT bays
• Two 400 kV ICT bays
• One set of 400 kV bus sectionalizer
• Four 220 kV line bays and one 400 kV line bay for terminating dedicated transmission lines from renewable energy projects

Bellary Pooling Station Infrastructure

At the Bellary PS, POWERGRID will implement extensive augmentation work involving 400/220 kV, 6×500 MVA ICTs. The comprehensive scope includes:

Transmission Line Development

The project scope encompasses establishing the Bellary–Davanagere 2nd 400 kV (Quad) double-circuit line, which includes two 400 kV line bays at Bellary PS and two at Davanagere/Chitradurga PS. Additionally, five 220 kV line bays will be provided at Bellary PS for the termination of dedicated transmission lines from renewable energy developers.

Market Context and Competition

The tender, floated in September 2025, attracted significant industry participation. Apart from POWERGRID, other major players including Adani Energy Solutions, HG Infra Engineering, and Resonia qualified in the technical bid round, highlighting the competitive nature of India's renewable energy transmission sector.

Karnataka's Renewable Energy Potential

The Government of India has identified substantial renewable energy potential in Karnataka, totaling 17 GW across the state. Within this capacity, 4 GW has been identified at Davanagere and 1.5 GW at Bellary. Currently, transmission connectivity has been granted for approximately 3.9 GW at the Davanagere PS and 1.5 GW at the Bellary PS, indicating significant progress in the state's renewable energy infrastructure development.

POWERGRID's recent activities in Karnataka include receiving a letter of intent from RECPDCL in August 2025 to establish an ISTS for renewable energy integration, and acquiring Davanagere Power Transmission, a special-purpose vehicle, in September 2025 for transmission system strengthening projects.

Source: https://www.mercomindia.com/powergrid-wins-3-gw-renewable-energy-transmission-projects-in-karnataka