New inter-state transmission system projects worth Rs 15,893 crore approved

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Wednesday approved23 new inter-state transmission system (ISTS) projects worth Rs 15,893 crores which would help augment seamless transfer of power from power surplus regions to power deficit regions.

This includes 13 projects with an estimated cost of Rs 14,766 crore to be raised under the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB). The remaining ten has an estimated cost of Rs 1,127 crores to be developed under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM).

The new project would inter-alia facilitate evacuation system for 14 GW of renewable projects in Rajasthan, 4.5 GW of RE projects in Gujarat, 1 GW Neemuch Solar Park, Madhya Pradesh and feeding areas near Akhnoor and Jammu region by establishing Sio substation in Jammu. They were approved following the recommendations of the National Committee on Transmission. It is also in accordance with the National Tariff Policy 2016, which provides that ISTS projects be developed through TBCB, except for certain category projects, which are strategic, technical-upgradation or time-bound in nature.

The project would also help optimise the use of generation resources and meet the demands of end consumers without any transmission constraints. It would assist the growth of renewable energy-based capacity, a power ministry statement said.