Rajasthan Approves INR 26,000 Crore Transmission Plan to Accelerate Solar Projects

In a major boost to Rajasthan’s renewable energy sector, the Rajasthan Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. RVPN) has approved transmission infrastructure projects worth over INR 26,000 crore. The move is expected to resolve evacuation bottlenecks that have stalled several solar and wind power projects across the state.

The approved projects include nine transmission lines of 765 kV, four of 400 kV, and two of 220 kV. These lines had been on hold for over three years due to capacity limitations and planning delays.

RVPN Chairman and State Energy Principal Secretary Ajitabh Sharma said the new projects are critical for ensuring smooth evacuation of electricity generated from Rajasthan’s rapidly growing renewable installations. “The demand for transmission infrastructure has outpaced available capacity. Without timely interventions, solar and wind developers face indefinite delays,” he noted.

In a strategic shift, RVPN will now also actively participate in tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) for projects exceeding INR 300 crore, a departure from its earlier policy of non-participation. This is expected to speed up the execution of large-scale transmission lines through increased competition and investment.

The transmission upgrade is being seen as essential for Rajasthan to maintain its leadership in solar capacity. While the state has long been a front-runner in renewable energy, it was recently overtaken by Gujarat in total solar installations.

Officials said the sanctioned transmission network will facilitate integration of upcoming solar projects into the state and national grids, support grid reliability, and attract further private investment.