Bescom Targets 1,051 MW Solar Addition by March 2026

22 Jan 2026 CW Team

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company plans to add 1,051 MW of solar power capacity by March 2026 after accelerating work on 157 projects under the KUSUM C scheme, officials said.

According to a senior Bescom official, 32 projects with a combined capacity of about 200 MW have already been completed. The utility expects solar capacity additions to reach around 500 MW by January 2026 and the full 1,051 MW by March. The projects are aimed at supplying solar power to agricultural pump sets, thereby reducing farmers’ dependence on the grid.

“These projects will provide solar power that will be supplied directly to agricultural pump sets, reducing reliance on traditional power supply,” the official said. While farmers currently receive nearly seven hours of power a day, many remain dissatisfied due to reliability and timing issues. Solar-powered pump sets are expected to address these concerns by offering more consistent supply.

Officials said reliable electricity remains a challenge for many farmers, with several seeking longer hours of power or supply at specific times. Solarisation of pump sets under KUSUM C is expected to improve both availability and flexibility of power for irrigation needs.

Bescom has also invited tenders for the generation of 2,520 MW of solar power across Karnataka. The state aims to generate 3,900 MW of solar power under the KUSUM C programme, with as many as 397 electricity substations expected to be solarised.

The initiative is projected to benefit around 0.67 million farmers across the state. In parallel, farmers are being encouraged to solarise their pump sets under KUSUM B, where the state subsidy has been increased to 50 per cent. Under this structure, farmers are required to pay only 20 per cent of the cost, with the remaining 30 per cent borne by the central government, officials said.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..