India's power transmission network crosses 5 lakh circuit km
India's transmission network (220 kV and above) crossed 5 lakh circuit km on 14 January 2026 with the commissioning of the 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line in Rajasthan, the Power Ministry said on 22 January.
Summary
The national power transmission network crossed 5 lakh circuit kilometres (220 kV and above), with 1,407 GVA of transformation capacity. The milestone came on 14 January 2026 with the commissioning of the 628 ckm, 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line, which can evacuate an additional 1,100 MW of renewable power from Rajasthan. Since April 2014 the network has grown 71.6%, adding 2.09 lakh ckm. Inter-regional transfer capacity stands at 1,20,340 MW. Projects under way will add about 40,000 ckm of inter-state and 27,500 ckm of intra-state lines to help evacuate non-fossil power, targeted at 500 GW by 2030.
Key facts
- Milestone
- 5 lakh ckm (220 kV and above), reached 14 January 2026
- Transformation capacity
- 1,407 GVA
- Line commissioned
- 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II, 628 ckm (Rajasthan)
- Growth since April 2014
- 71.6%; 2.09 lakh ckm added
- Inter-regional capacity
- 1,20,340 MW
- Non-fossil target
- 500 GW by 2030
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The commissioning of which transmission line took India's network past 5 lakh circuit km in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line
PIB (Power): the milestone came on 14 January 2026 with the commissioning of the 628 ckm, 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line in Rajasthan.
By what percentage has India's transmission network (220 kV and above) grown since April 2014?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 71.6%
PIB (Power): since April 2014 the network has grown by 71.6% with the addition of 2.09 lakh ckm.
India's inter-regional power transfer capacity, as stated by the Power Ministry in January 2026, is:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,20,340 MW
PIB (Power): inter-regional power transfer capacity now stands at 1,20,340 MW, realising 'One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency'.