Power Grid Unveils Mega Capex Surge: ₹3.07 Trillion Outlay to Supercharge India’s Grid by 2032

Image Source: The Economic Times

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has set the stage for a transformative decade in India’s energy sector, rolling out an unprecedented capital expenditure plan with an estimated outlay of ₹3.07 trillion by 2032. The company’s aggressive capex trajectory for the next three years underscores its commitment to building a robust, future-ready transmission network to support India’s surging power demand and green energy ambitions.

Record Annual Capex Plans:

FY25-26: Capex projected at ₹280 billion, a sharp jump from previous years, reflecting accelerated project execution and infrastructure needs.
FY26-27: Outlay rises to ₹350 billion, targeting major interstate and intrastate transmission expansions.
FY27-28: Capex soars to ₹450 billion, the highest annual investment in PGCIL’s history, as the company gears up for large-scale renewable integration and grid modernization.
2032 Vision: The total estimated capex outlay up to 2032 is pegged at ₹3.07 trillion, with over 90% allocated to transmission projects, including inter-state, intra-state, cross-border, and international operations. The plan also covers smart metering, solar power, and digital infrastructure.
Project Pipeline: PGCIL currently has ₹1.47 trillion worth of projects in hand, with a robust pipeline to meet the demands of India’s National Electricity Plan and the government’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
Growth Drivers: The surge in capex is driven by unprecedented demand for grid connectivity, especially for renewable energy evacuation, battery storage, and green hydrogen projects. Competitive bidding (TBCB) and regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) projects remain key focus areas.
Financial Strength: Despite rising capex, PGCIL maintains strong financials and healthy returns, supported by government backing and a growing regulated asset base.
Strategic Impact: This investment will enable PGCIL to lead India’s transition to a smarter, greener, and more resilient power grid, positioning the company as the backbone of the nation’s energy future.