POWERGRID Secures 765 kV Maharashtra-Karnataka Transmission Project
India’s power sector achieves a major milestone as POWERGRID wins the 765 kV transmission contract between Maharashtra and Karnataka. This high-capacity Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) will connect Parli New in Maharashtra to Bidar in Karnataka under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.
Key Project Features
- 2,500-3,000 MW transmission capacity
- 765 kV lines with bundled ACSR conductors
- Siemens and Hitachi-supplied shunt reactors
Renewable Energy Impact
The transmission line will enable Karnataka’s solar and wind projects to supply power to high-demand regions in Maharashtra. This addresses previous grid bottlenecks that forced renewable energy curtailment.
Developer Benefits
Bidar-area solar farms gain direct ISTS access, reducing connection delays. Developers report 30% lower risk for North Karnataka’s 2,000 MW pipeline with faster commissioning.
Project Timeline and Significance
Scheduled for Q3 2026 completion, this project supports India’s 500 GW renewable target by 2030. It marks the first of 15 planned ISTS corridors that will connect solar-rich states to industrial hubs by 2027.
The 35-year BOOT structure ensures cost recovery through transmission tariffs before eventual government transfer, optimizing India’s challenging land acquisition process.
