Meeting on root cause analysis of slow progress of ISTS projects for FY 2025-26- reg. – EQ
Summary:
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## **1. Meeting Overview**
* Meeting chaired by **Additional Secretary (Transmission)**, Ministry of Power.
* Purpose: **Identify root causes** behind the **slow progress** of ISTS (Inter-State Transmission System) projects during FY 2025–26.
* Participants included: CEA, POWERGRID, CTUIL, Adani, TATA Power, Torrent Power, Apraava, ReNew, GR Infra, Resonia, and others.
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## **2. Review of Historical Performance**
* During **NEP 2017–22**, ISTS targets for both **ckm** of lines and **MVA** capacity were **successfully achieved**.
* As of **October 2025**, under **NEP 2022–27**:
* Only **30%** of targeted transmission line (ckm) implemented.
* Only **27%** of targeted transformation capacity (MVA) implemented.
* This indicates a **significant shortfall** in ongoing project execution.
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## **3. Key Reasons for Delays in ISTS Projects**
### **3.1 Right of Way (RoW) Issues**
* Several States have **not adopted MoP RoW Guidelines** (dated 14.06.2024 & 21.03.2025).
* Result: inconsistent compensation, delays in approval, and local resistance.
### **3.2 Forest Clearance Delays**
* Multiple States follow **their own clearance processes**, leading to delays exceeding **10 months**.
* FRA (Forest Rights Act) compliance further slows down approvals.
### **3.3 Substation Land Procurement Issues**
* TSPs (Transmission Service Providers) face delays due to:
* Non-uniform State policies,
* Slow transfer of Government land,
* Difficulty in purchasing private land.
### **3.4 Manpower Shortage**
* Acute shortage of:
* Tower erection teams
* Conductor-stringing teams
* Only **~700 gangs** available nationwide, insufficient for current targets.
### **3.5 Supply Chain Bottlenecks**
* Manufacturing shortage for critical equipment:
* **Transformers / Reactors (400 kV & above)**
* **765 kV Bushings**
* **765 kV Circuit Breakers (with/without PIR)**
* **765 kV GIB ducts** (not manufactured in India)
* Long vendor lead times: **1–2+ years**.
### **3.6 Power Line-Crossing Issues**
* Overlapping routes, lack of coordination & data sharing among TSPs.
* Especially problematic in **RE-rich States** (wind & solar zones).
### **3.7 PTCC Clearance Delay**
* PTCC approvals take **2–3 months**, delaying commissioning.
### **3.8 Concurrent Bidding Overlaps**
* Multiple TSPs bidding parallel transmission lines → route conflicts during construction.
### **3.9 Delay in Authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act**
* Authorization process takes ~ **60 days**, delaying site mobilization.
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## **4. Suggestions & Proposed Strategic Actions**
### **4.1 RoW Issues**
* States must adopt MoP RoW guidelines.
* TSPs should enhance stakeholder engagement & local consultations.
### **4.2 Forest Clearances**
* Integrate all forest-affected areas into **PM Gati Shakti Portal** for faster approvals.
* De-link FRA compliance from tree-cutting permissions.
* Exempt strip plantations from full forest clearance.
* Create **State-level DFL (Deemed Forest Land) banks**.
### **4.3 Land Procurement**
* Develop **uniform land transfer policy** across States.
* Allow **BPC (Bid Process Coordinator)** to acquire land *before bidding* for seamless transfer to TSPs.
### **4.4 Manpower Strengthening**
* Increase number of erection & stringing gangs.
* Adopt **mechanization**: drone stringing, helicopter tower erection.
* Utilize Skill Development Centres launched by POWERGRID to train youth.
### **4.5 Supply Chain Improvements**
* Relax procurement norms to enable **international sourcing** of GIS, ICT, Transformers, Reactors.
* Expand domestic manufacturing capacity.
### **4.6 Line Crossing Solutions**
* CTUIL to prepare national guidelines for:
* Power line-crossing
* Route coordination
* Bay coordinate sharing
* Plan **multi-utility corridors** in RE-rich States.
### **4.7 PTCC Clearance**
* Set fast-track mechanism for quicker resolution.
### **4.8 Concurrent Route Overlaps**
* Address route overlaps at the **planning stage** by BPC/CEA/CTUIL.
### **4.9 Section 164 Authorization**
* BPC should obtain authorization **before bidding** to enable immediate ground work.
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## **5. Key Action Points Assigned**
1. **CEA & CTUIL**
* Evaluate all suggestions and prepare a **recommendation report** by **28 Nov 2025**.
* Provide year-wise data on all ISTS projects since 2014.
2. **POWERGRID**
* Provide national-level data on manufacturing capacity and equipment requirement.
* Continue manpower development initiatives.
3. **All TSPs**
* Enhance local engagement, adopt mechanized construction, and improve coordination.
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