In a landmark event strengthening India’s energy infrastructure, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the transmission system associated with Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 & 4 (2×1000 MW) during a public function held in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. This vital infrastructure is being developed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
The transmission scheme is being implemented by POWERGRID Kudankulam Transmission Limited under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) project. It includes the construction of a 400 kV Double Circuit (Quad) transmission line connecting Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 & 4 to the Tuticorin-II GIS Pooling Station. In addition, the project involves the installation of two 400 kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) line terminal bays at the Tuticorin-II GIS substation.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu; Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation; Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs; Shri Thangam Thenarasu, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu; Smt. P. Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Tamil Nadu; and Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament. Senior officials from the Central and State Governments, along with senior leadership from POWERGRID, were also present.
This transmission system will play a key role in facilitating the evacuation of 2 GW of clean, safe, and reliable nuclear power generated from Kudankulam Units 3 & 4. The electricity will be transmitted to several beneficiary states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry, thereby contributing significantly to regional power availability and grid stability.
The commissioning of this project is expected to bolster India’s commitment to cleaner energy sources and reinforce its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. It forms part of the nation’s broader strategy to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030. Nuclear energy, being a clean base-load source, will complement renewable sources such as solar and wind in ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable power supply across the nation.
POWERGRID, as one of the leading power transmission utilities in the world, has a robust presence in the Indian power sector. As on 30th June 2025, the company has commissioned and is operating 284 substations with over 1,80,533 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 5,66,831 MVA of transformation capacity. Through adoption of cutting-edge technology, automation, and digital tools, POWERGRID continues to maintain an exceptionally high average transmission system availability of over 99.84%.
The implementation of this project demonstrates POWERGRID’s unwavering commitment to nation-building and technological advancement in India’s power sector. It also reflects the Government of India’s strategic focus on strengthening transmission infrastructure to support its growing energy needs and expanding nuclear power portfolio.
With the laying of the foundation stone by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, this project enters a new phase of development and represents a vital step forward in India’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. The project is not only a technical feat but also a symbol of cooperative federalism and the government’s resolve to provide 24×7 reliable and clean power for all.
As India scales up its nuclear energy capacity and transmission capabilities, initiatives such as this reinforce the nation’s progress towards energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.