Power Transmission Execution Risks Threaten Renewable Evacuation

13 Jul 2026 CW Team

Icra said most transmission projects awarded by central nodal agencies via tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) have been delayed beyond the scheduled commissioning date (SCOD). Of projects commissioned by March 2026 under this route, only 12 per cent were completed on time; the remainder were finished with lags ranging from two months to three years, with a median delay of over 10 months. Such slippage constrains the timely addition of evacuation infrastructure.

The agency cautioned that land acquisition and RoW constraints, together with regulatory clearances, remain primary execution bottlenecks for contractors and developers. These hurdles increase financing costs and contractual disputes and complicate project management across regions. Icra indicated that the resulting transmission shortfalls raise the likelihood of curtailment episodes for renewable generators.

Icra envisages a significant rise in transmission capacity requirements as the grid prepares for higher renewable penetration, but it stressed that realising announced capex will require smoother permitting and enhanced coordination among central and state agencies. It urged stakeholders to prioritise right of way planning and expedited approvals to limit implementation delays and protect returns for renewable energy investors. Without improvements, the agency warned that persistent execution risks could hinder the pace of grid modernisation.

The assessment noted that delays often translate into higher carrying costs and strained contractor resources during protracted construction phases. Stakeholders will need to align land acquisition schedules with transmission timelines to reduce mismatches.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Icra has warned that power transmission projects face execution risks from land acquisition, right of way (RoW) and regulatory approvals, affecting timelines and renewable energy (RE) evacuation. It expects capacity addition uptick as the country gears up to integrate RE capacity. The agency estimated sector capital expenditure (capex) of Rs five to six trillion (tn) between 2026-27 and 2031-32. Delays lead to grid curtailment issues for developers and dent returns. Icra said most transmission projects awarded by central nodal agencies via tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) have been delayed beyond the scheduled commissioning date (SCOD). Of projects commissioned by March 2026 under this route, only 12 per cent were completed on time; the remainder were finished with lags ranging from two months to three years, with a median delay of over 10 months. Such slippage constrains the timely addition of evacuation infrastructure. The agency cautioned that land acquisition and RoW constraints, together with regulatory clearances, remain primary execution bottlenecks for contractors and developers. These hurdles increase financing costs and contractual disputes and complicate project management across regions. Icra indicated that the resulting transmission shortfalls raise the likelihood of curtailment episodes for renewable generators. Icra envisages a significant rise in transmission capacity requirements as the grid prepares for higher renewable penetration, but it stressed that realising announced capex will require smoother permitting and enhanced coordination among central and state agencies. It urged stakeholders to prioritise right of way planning and expedited approvals to limit implementation delays and protect returns for renewable energy investors. Without improvements, the agency warned that persistent execution risks could hinder the pace of grid modernisation. The assessment noted that delays often translate into higher carrying costs and strained contractor resources during protracted construction phases. Stakeholders will need to align land acquisition schedules with transmission timelines to reduce mismatches.

Infrastructure Transport

13 Jul 2026

Bhogapuram Airport Set For Take Off After Licence Issued

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced that Alluri Sitharama Raju Bhogapuram International Airport has achieved 100 per cent completion following issuance of its aerodrome licence by the Ministry of Civil Aviation after an inspection with public representatives, district officials and GMR Group representatives. The licence was granted after extensive verification over the past month to ensure that safety and operational standards were met. The Chief Minister's Office has already contacted the Prime Minister's Office to finalise an inauguration date and commercial fli..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Jul 2026

Auto Sector To Grow 22-24 Per Cent In Q1 FY27

Credit Rating Information Services of India (Crisil) estimated that India's automobile sector is expected to report revenue growth of 22-24 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of FY27 and to be among the largest contributors to corporate revenue growth in the quarter. The agency estimated overall corporate revenue to have grown 11-11.5 per cent year-on-year in the quarter ended 30 June 2026, the fastest pace in two years despite supply chain disruptions and higher input costs from the West Asia conflict. This compared with growth of 9.6 per cent in the preceding quarter. Crisil said the..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Jul 2026

Nomura Sees Q1 Pressure On Cement Margins; Backs Major Players

Nomura said cement margins will be under pressure in the June quarter as fuel and packaging costs rose, although volume growth is expected to remain healthy. The brokerage forecast six to seven per cent year-on-year organic volume growth for the Indian cement industry in the period, with Shree Cement identified as likely to post the highest growth at 15 per cent year-on-year. It noted that the West and North regions outperformed on pricing, aiding companies with greater exposure in those markets. Average trade prices improved three per cent sequentially to around Rs 326 per bag after price inc..