India’s power transmission capacity has increased from 75,050 MW in 2016-17 to 1,20,340 MW as of June 2025, according to the Ministry of Power. Plans are underway to boost it further to 1,68,000 MW by 2032, ensuring reliable interregional electricity flow and addressing regional power disparities nationwide.
India has significantly bolstered its national power transmission capacity over the past eight years, a move that is expected to drastically improve the reliability of electricity supply across the country and reduce regional disparities. According to a written reply submitted in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the Ministry of Power revealed that the national transmission infrastructure has grown from 75,050 MW in 2016-17 to 1,20,340 MW by June 2025.
Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, stated in response to a question raised by Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, that the government plans to further enhance the transmission capacity to 1,43,000 MW by 2027 and to a robust 1,68,000 MW by 2032. This expansion is part of the Centre’s long-term strategy to build a reliable, interconnected National Grid capable of seamlessly transferring electricity between power-surplus and power-deficit regions.
“A robust National Grid has been established to facilitate the transfer of power from power surplus regions to power deficit regions, thereby mitigating the impact of regional disparities on overall power availability,” Naik informed the Parliament.
As of June 6, 2025, the total installed electricity generation capacity in the country stands at 484.81 GW (gigawatts), covering a range of sources including coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy.
The minister highlighted that the expansion of the National Grid is ongoing and aligns with both rising power generation levels and increasing consumer demand. He asserted that regional imbalances in power supply and demand caused by geographic or infrastructural constraints are being managed effectively through this well-developed transmission network.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor’s inquiry in the Lok Sabha addressed the impact of regional disparities in electricity generation and the adequacy of the transmission infrastructure to handle such imbalances. In response, the minister confirmed that efforts are continuously being made to optimize power distribution across the country and that the National Grid plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable power availability.
Naik also said that both short-term and long-term strategies are being employed to strengthen the transmission network, especially in states prone to power deficits. These include expanding transmission lines, installing high-capacity transformers, and upgrading substations in regions where electricity demand is consistently outpacing supply.
The minister further provided state-wise data on power generation capacities and the types of fuel sources utilized in each region. The figures showcased that states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu lead in coal-based and renewable power generation, while northeastern states and Kerala are more dependent on hydroelectric and limited natural gas supplies.
In addition to the generation and transmission capacity, Naik stressed the importance of aligning power infrastructure development with factors such as fuel availability, logistical support, technological readiness, and future electricity demand forecasts.
Industry experts believe this consistent development of India’s power infrastructure is crucial for sustaining the country’s economic growth. “India’s increasing dependence on renewables and the need for decentralized power production makes a flexible and capable national transmission system more vital than ever,” said an energy analyst based in New Delhi.
Power sector analysts have noted that the focus on expanding grid capacity is also essential in integrating large-scale renewable energy, especially solar and wind, into the national electricity supply. As renewable power is often generated in remote locations, transmission lines must be able to carry this power over long distances to areas where consumption is high.
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By laying out a clear roadmap extending to 2032, the Ministry of Power aims to ensure that both urban and rural regions receive consistent and reliable power, ultimately boosting industrial productivity, improving quality of life, and fostering economic inclusivity.
