New Delhi: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), through its subsidiary POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited, is planning a ₹30.59 crore transmission upgrade at the Gadag-II pooling station in Karnataka to address rising short-circuit levels and support the integration of renewable energy projects into the electricity grid.
The proposed project involves installing two 220 kV bus sectionalizers at the Gadag-II 400/220 kV pooling station, along with two 220 kV bus coupler bays and two transfer bus coupler bays. The scheme has an implementation period of 18 months, with commissioning scheduled for August 17, 2027.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), through an order dated October 19, 2026, has initiated public consultation on a proposed amendment to POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited’s existing transmission licence to incorporate the project. Stakeholders can submit their suggestions and objections by November 6, 2026, ahead of the scheduled hearing on November 10, 2026.
POWERGRID Plans ₹30.59 Crore Grid Upgrade in Karnataka
The proposed transmission scheme aims to strengthen the electrical configuration of the Gadag-II pooling station as additional renewable energy generation capacity connects to the grid.
The project includes the installation of the following equipment:
- Two 220 kV bus sectionalizers at the Gadag-II 400/220 kV pooling station.
- Two 220 kV bus coupler bays.
- Two transfer bus coupler bays.
The upgrade is designed to help manage rising short-circuit levels and maintain safe substation operations as renewable energy capacity expands in the region.
The project has an implementation timeframe of 18 months, and its scheduled commissioning date is August 17, 2027.
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Rising Renewable Energy Capacity Creates Grid Stability Requirements
According to the CERC order, connectivity has been granted or agreed for approximately 5,275 MW of generation capacity at the Gadag-II pooling station.
This includes:
- 3,475 MW of generation capacity connected at the 220 kV level.
- 1,800 MW of generation capacity connected at the 400 kV level.
Interconnection studies found that the short-circuit level at the 220 kV bus could exceed its design limit of 50 kA when the planned generation capacity is taken into account.
Short-circuit levels are an important consideration in power system design because electrical equipment must be capable of safely handling fault currents. If these levels exceed the equipment’s design limits, the reliability and safety of substation operations may be affected.
How Bus Sectionalizers Will Support Grid Stability
Bus sectionalizers divide a substation busbar into separate sections, allowing operators to configure and operate the sections independently, depending on system requirements.
At the Gadag-II pooling station, the proposed arrangement will provide greater operational flexibility by allowing bus sections to operate in different combinations, subject to operating conditions and system constraints.
The transmission scheme was discussed at the 41st Consultation Meeting for Evolving Transmission Schemes in the Southern Region, held on November 27, 2025.
The upgrade forms part of the wider transmission infrastructure being developed to integrate renewable energy projects in Karnataka’s Koppal-II and Gadag-II regions. The Gadag-II pooling station is also undergoing capacity augmentation and associated transmission development to facilitate the evacuation of renewable power.
CERC Initiates Public Consultation on Transmission Licence Amendment
CERC has initiated a public consultation process on the proposed amendment to POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited’s existing transmission licence. The project was initially allocated to POWERGRID Koppal Gadag Transmission Limited under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) in February 2026.
Following the merger of the company and 11 other special purpose vehicles into POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited, the latter approached CERC to incorporate the project into its existing transmission licence.
The Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL) recommended the licence amendment in June 2026.
CERC observed that the applicant appeared to satisfy the conditions for the proposed amendment. However, the commission directed that public consultation be conducted before a final decision is taken.
The October 19, 2026, order therefore initiates the consultation process and does not constitute final approval of the licence amendment.
Key Dates for the POWERGRID Transmission Project
- Project cost: ₹30.59 crore
- Consultation order: October 19, 2026
- Deadline for suggestions and objections: November 6, 2026
- Scheduled hearing: November 10, 2026
- Scheduled commissioning: August 17, 2027
Transmission Upgrade to Support Karnataka’s Renewable Energy Expansion
The proposed upgrade is expected to strengthen the Gadag-II pooling station’s electrical configuration as renewable energy connectivity increases across the region.
By addressing potential short-circuit level constraints and improving operational flexibility, the scheme aims to support the safe integration and evacuation of additional renewable power.
The project also highlights the importance of upgrading transmission infrastructure alongside renewable energy generation capacity to maintain grid reliability and support India’s expanding clean energy network.
About POWERGRID
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power. It is primarily engaged in electricity transmission and operates a nationwide high-voltage transmission network. The company plays a key role in strengthening India’s power infrastructure and facilitating the integration and transfer of electricity, including renewable energy, across regions.
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