India has achieved a monumental leap in its electricity infrastructure, with the national power transmission network now exceeding 500,000 circuit kilometers (CKM). This landmark was announced by the Ministry of Power on Thursday, marking a transformative phase in the country’s energy sector.
The world’s largest synchronous national grid reached this feat on January 14, 2026, following the commissioning of a 765 kV, 628 CKM transmission line from Bhadla II to Sikar II in Rajasthan. This critical link is designed to evacuate solar power from Rajasthan’s renewable energy hubs to distant parts of the nation, ensuring efficient distribution.
With this addition, an extra 1,100 MW of power from the Bhadla, Ramgarh, and Fatehgarh solar complexes can now be seamlessly transmitted. This enhancement optimizes solar energy utilization, reducing wastage and bolstering supply reliability.
Since April 2014, the transmission network has expanded by an impressive 71.6%, incorporating 209,000 CKM of new lines at 220 kV and above. Transformation capacity has surged by 876 GVA, while inter-regional transfer capacity now stands at 120,340 MW, realizing the vision of ‘One Nation–One Grid–One Frequency’.
Ongoing projects promise further strengthening: around 40,000 CKM of inter-state lines and 399 GVA capacity are in the pipeline, alongside 27,500 CKM and 134 GVA from intra-state initiatives. These developments will fortify the grid against fluctuations and support the integration of renewables.
This expansion is pivotal for India’s ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, emphasizing solar and wind energy. The government’s relentless push ensures affordable, reliable, and secure power for all, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.