The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has sought detailed information from transmission equipment manufacturers to assess their readiness to supply advanced technologies aimed at addressing Right of Way (ROW) challenges in India’s power transmission network. In an official memorandum issued on October 28, 2026, the authority requested technical, manufacturing, and cost-related information to support the wider adoption of compact and high-capacity transmission infrastructure.
The initiative focuses on innovative transmission technologies, including high-capacity pole structures, multi-circuit line configurations, and insulated cross arms for 400 kV and 765 kV power transmission lines. These solutions are being considered to reduce land requirements and overcome corridor constraints that frequently delay the development of transmission infrastructure.
The government is also considering making these technologies mandatory in designated corridors for upcoming Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) projects. Before finalising the proposed requirements, the CEA aims to evaluate the availability of suitable equipment, manufacturing capabilities, technical readiness, and associated costs across the domestic industry.
Manufacturers have been directed to submit the requested information to the Chief Engineer of the Power System Engineering and Technology Development (PSE&TD) Division at the CEA by November 5, 2026. The information will help the authority determine whether manufacturers can meet the technical and supply requirements of future transmission projects.
The assessment covers the development status of different technologies, including design validation, type testing, applicable technical standards, and estimated timelines for commercial readiness. These details are expected to help establish the current level of technological preparedness and identify areas requiring further development before large-scale deployment.
The CEA has also requested information on manufacturing infrastructure and production capacity. Companies must provide their monthly and annual manufacturing capacities in terms of the number of structures produced and total output measured in metric tonnes. The authority is additionally examining the availability of essential raw materials, particularly high-grade steel, along with procurement sources and potential supply chain constraints. Manufacturers have been asked to identify possible bottlenecks and suggest measures to address them.
Cost estimation forms another important part of the exercise. Manufacturers are required to provide tentative costs for various equipment configurations, classified as Type-A through Type-D. The assessment includes 400 kV and 765 kV double-circuit poles, multi-circuit towers, and insulated cross arms. These estimates will help the authority compare available solutions and assess their potential economic implications for future transmission projects.
The memorandum also addresses infrastructure resilience in coastal regions. The CEA is seeking development details for lattice towers designed to withstand extreme coastal conditions, incorporating an importance factor (k₄) of 1.3 to account for demanding structural requirements associated with high wind speeds.
The exercise represents a step towards modernising India’s transmission network through compact, efficient, and resilient technologies. By assessing domestic manufacturing capabilities and technical readiness, the CEA aims to support improved land utilisation, reduce transmission corridor constraints, and accelerate the expansion of the country’s power transmission infrastructure.
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