CEA Standardises Implementation Timelines for ISTS Projects
The Central Electricity Authority has issued standard implementation timelines for various categories of Inter-State Transmission System projects to improve predictability and ensure coordinated development of the transmission network.
June 17, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
The timelines were approved by the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) during its 40th meeting held in April 2026, and have recently been notified through an Office Memorandum. The move aims to bring greater predictability to transmission planning and facilitate coordinated development of generation and transmission infrastructure.
Under the new framework, greenfield 765 kV and 400 kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS), Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) and hybrid substations will have a standard implementation period of 36 months. Greenfield substations at 220 kV and 132 kV levels will have a timeline of 24 months.
For High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) projects comprising transmission lines and substations, the implementation timeline has been set at 48-54 months.
The CEA has prescribed a timeline of 30 months for 765 kV double-circuit transmission lines shorter than 100 km and 36 months for lines exceeding 100 km. Similarly, 400 kV double-circuit lines with lengths below 50 km are to be completed within 24 months, while those extending beyond 50 km have been assigned a 30-month timeline. Transmission lines at 220 kV and 132 kV levels have been allotted an implementation period of 24 months.
For augmentation works, the timelines vary based on the voltage level and type of substation. Augmentation at existing AIS substations of 400 kV and above has been assigned a 30-month schedule, while similar works at substations of 220/230 kV and below are to be completed within 24 months. Augmentation at existing GIS or hybrid substations at 132 kV and above has also been given a timeline of 30 months.
The OM further mentioned that projects located in hilly or difficult terrains in the North Eastern Region, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh may be granted an additional 6-12 months based on need and merit.
In cases where a transmission scheme comprises multiple project components, the timeline of the activity with the longest implementation period will be considered as the qualifying schedule for the scheme as a whole. However, the CEA noted that compressed timelines may be considered on a case-by-case basis in situations requiring expedited execution.
The CEA has advised generation and transmission developers, distribution companies, bulk consumers and other stakeholders to factor these timelines into their generation or load schedules, financial closure plans, equipment procurement and other project milestones to ensure alignment with the corresponding transmission infrastructure.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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