Tata Power plans Rs 15,000 crore power transmission upgrade for Mumbai region
Tata Power has unveiled a 400 kV ring network and planned a Rs 15,000 crore transmission upgrade to meet surging electricity demand, bringing major infrastructure developments to local areas including Kalva, Kalyan, and Kolshet. The massive expansion project aims to enhance power reliability and ensure uninterrupted supply across the region.
Electricity demand in the region is expected to rise by nearly 40% over the next five years. This surge is being driven by new Metro corridors and data centres, necessitating significant upgrades to the existing transmission infrastructure.
As part of the initiative, Tata Power is scaling up its 110 kV transmission corridors. The crucial Kalva-Kalyan line is scheduled for completion by the end of the current financial year. This specific upgrade will increase power inflow into Mumbai eightfold, raising the capacity to wheel in approximately 1,300 MW of electricity compared to the current 150 MW.
According to Nilesh Kane, chief of transmission and Mumbai distribution at Tata Power, the 400 kV ring network will connect Vikhroli, Dharavi, Mahalaxmi, Sewree, and Trombay. It will also feature a 765 kV link to Dolvi to facilitate the import of significantly higher volumes of power. The Vikhroli to Dharavi stretch is already nearing completion, which officials state could bring reliable power to areas in and around the Dharavi Redevelopment project.
The ring network is designed to improve redundancy, reduce outages, and provide flexibility in managing electrical loads across different regions.
Over the next five years, Tata Power plans to upgrade a total of 10 existing 110 kV transmission line corridors to 220 kV. This list of corridors includes Kalyan-Kalwa, Ambernath-Kalyan, Bhivpuri-Ambernath, Khopoli-Bhivpuri, Khopoli-Bhokarpada, Bhokarpada-Karanjade, Carnac-Backbay, Mahalaxmi-Backbay, and Dharavi-Mahalaxmi. Kane noted that these upgrades will enable significantly higher power flows through existing rights-of-way without requiring new land acquisition.
In addition to the corridors, eight existing 110 kV stations are being upgraded to 220 kV. These stations are located at Kolshet, Kalyan, Ambernath, Bhivpuri, Khopoli, Powai, Parel, and Vikhroli. The Kolshet station is also set to be interconnected with the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited.
The total projected investment for establishing and enhancing this transmission network over the next five years is approximately Rs 15,000 crore.
