Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme, aimed at enhancing power evacuation from SEZ in Rajasthan (8.1 GW) during Phase-II Part A, along with the Transmission System connecting RE projects in Bikaner (PG), Fatehgarh-II & Bhadla–II on February 16, 2024. Executed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, the initiative supports India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a focus on 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind power.
The transmission system under Phase II strengthens power evacuation from solar energy zones in Rajasthan (11.1 GW, including 3 GW intra-state), covering Bhadla, Fatehgarh, Ramgarh, and Bikaner. The plan includes the establishment of high-capacity 765 kV and 400 kV transmission systems, connecting Bhadla-II, Fatehgarh-II, Sikar, and Khetri, and introducing new substations at Sikar-II, Narela, Bikaner-II, and Fatehgarh-III.
Key components of the transmission scheme involve the Fatehgarh-III new substation, Fatehgarh-III – Fatehgarh-II 400 kV D/C line, and Fatehgarh-III – Jaisalmer-II 400 kV D/C line, facilitating the transfer of power from RE sources in Rajasthan for distribution to end-users. The project also includes the extension of existing substations at Fatehgarh-II (Jaisalmer), Bhadla-II (Jodhpur), and Bikaner (PG).
As of January 31, 2024, POWERGRID’s total transmission assets, including 1,76,762 circuit km of transmission lines, 276 substations, and a transformation capacity of 5,20,546 MVA, reflect a commitment to maintaining system availability above 99.8% through advanced maintenance techniques, automation, and digitization.