Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID), through its subsidiary POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission, plans to implement a Rs. 305.9 mn transmission upgrade at the Gadag-II pooling station in Karnataka. The project is intended to address grid stability requirements linked to the integration of renewable energy generation in the region.

The scheme involves installing two 220 kV bus sectionalizers at the Gadag-II 400/220 kV pooling station. It will also include two 220 kV bus coupler bays and two transfer bus coupler bays. The project has an implementation period of 18 months and is scheduled for commissioning on August 17, 2027.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has initiated public consultation on a proposed amendment to the existing transmission licence of POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission. Suggestions and objections have been invited until November 6, 2026, while a hearing has been scheduled for November 10. The consultation precedes CERC’s final decision on the licence amendment.

Connectivity has been granted or agreed for approximately 5,275 MW of generation capacity at the Gadag-II pooling station. This comprises around 3,475 MW at the 220 kV level and 1,800 MW at the 400 kV level. Interconnection studies found that the short-circuit level at the 220 kV bus could exceed its 50 kA design limit when the planned generation capacity is considered.

The bus sectionalizers will enable separate sections of the 220 kV bus to operate independently, helping control short-circuit levels and support safe substation operation as more generation is connected. The scheme was discussed at the 41st Consultation Meeting for Evolving Transmission Schemes in the Southern Region in November 2025. The project was initially allocated to POWERGRID Koppal Gadag Transmission under the regulated tariff mechanism in February 2026, before its transfer following a merger involving 12 special purpose vehicles. The Central Transmission Utility of India recommended the licence amendment in June 2026.