Right-of-Way Issues Delay 14 Interstate Transmission Projects

18 Mar 2025 CW Team

Fourteen interstate transmission system (ISTS) projects are facing delays due to prolonged right-of-way (RoW) issues, primarily driven by demands for higher compensation than state-approved rates. Additional challenges, including delays in forest clearances, have further stalled progress, according to Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik. Of the 14 affected projects, eight are being executed by POWERGRID, while six are handled by private companies, including Adani, Sterlite, Tata Power, and ReNew. These projects span multiple states. To address compensation concerns, the Ministry of Power revised RoW payment guidelines in June 2024, linking land rates to market values. Compensation for tower base areas was increased to 200% of land value, while the RoW corridor compensation was raised to 30%. The revised guidelines apply to transmission lines of 66 kV and above, excluding sub-transmission and distribution lines below this voltage. Despite these delays, the government ensures renewable energy evacuation by utilising margins in existing transmission networks wherever feasible. To mitigate RoW challenges, project route alignments are now validated through the PM Gati Shakti portal, optimising corridor planning in urban and forested areas. Additionally, the Ministry of Power is leveraging the Project Monitoring Group under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to coordinate with state governments, Union ministries, and transmission service providers to fast-track issue resolution. Transmission infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck in India's renewable energy expansion, with ongoing issues such as landholder opposition, litigation, and delays in environmental approvals further impacting project timelines. (mercom)

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..