Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a critical transmission system developed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), aimed at evacuating 2,000 MW of clean energy from Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP). The foundation stone was laid during a special event held at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
The project is being implemented by POWERGRID Kudankulam Transmission Limited under the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and includes:
Construction of 400 kV Double Circuit (quad) transmission line from Kudankulam NPP to Tuticorin-II GIS Power Station
Installation of two 400 kV GIS Line Terminal Bays at Tuticorin-II GIS
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Leaders Present at the Ceremony
Several dignitaries joined the Prime Minister at the foundation ceremony, including:
- Mr. R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu
- Mr. Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation
- Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for I&B and Parliamentary Affairs
- Mr. Thangam Thenarasu, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu
- P. Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare & Women Empowerment, Tamil Nadu
- Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament
Senior officials from the central and state governments, along with POWERGRID executives, also attended the event.
Powering the South with Clean Energy
This ambitious infrastructure will enable the evacuation of 2 GW of nuclear power from Kudankulam Units 3 & 4 to major beneficiary regions including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry. It is expected to enhance energy security, support grid stability, and meet the rising electricity demand of Southern India.
The transmission system also plays a pivotal role in helping India achieve its target of 500 GW of non–fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.
A Milestone in India’s Energy Transition
POWERGRID, a ‘Maharatna’ CPSE under the Ministry of Power, is a leader in India’s power transmission landscape. As of 30th June 2025, the company:
- Operates 284 substations
- Manages over 1,80,533 circuit kilometers of transmission lines
- Holds 5,66,831 MVA of transformation capacity
- Maintains transmission system availability of over 99.84%
The adoption of advanced automation, digital tools, and real-time monitoring has empowered POWERGRID to manage such complex systems with unmatched efficiency.
Strengthening Regional Development
Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasized that this transmission initiative not only supports green energy but also contributes to regional growth, industrial development, and enhanced electricity access for millions.
The project aligns with India’s energy independence mission and further strengthens the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat agendas by focusing on sustainable infrastructure development.
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About POWERGRID
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power. As India’s premier power transmission company, it operates an extensive high‑voltage transmission network across the country. POWERGRID is also actively engaged in CSR initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, community development, and environmental sustainability.
