Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 PREAMBLE
1.1. f Electricity is a concurrent subject at Entry 38 In List II I of the· Seventh Schedule of the Constitution
of India. In India's federal governance structure, this means that both th~ Central gover~ment and
India's State governments are involved in establishing policy _and _laws for its electricity sector. This
principle· motivates Central Government of India and individual State Gqvernments to enter into
memorandum of understanding to help ·e~pedite projects· and reform electricity sector in respective
state. With Infrastructure open to Private Sector pa-rticipation, the major players in power sector
now stands as Centre, State and Private. These three .are further cooperating among themselves
to make optimal use of their resources to take up Mega ·Power Projects.
. "'
1.1.2 Electricity is most versatile. and convenient form of Energy. Per Capita consumption of electricity is :
a
considered to be yard stick for assessing the growth of economy of any state or a country. Power
Generation, Transmission and Distribution (Utilization) system is therefore growing exponentially
·all over the world.
• I

For meeting the ever increasing power demand and for evacuating power from far fl!Jng generating
u·nits in areas· httving concentration of coal or
hydro potential, infinit~. grjd is required. The high
voltage, extra high voltage and ultra high voltage AC & DC lines forms the infinite grid. The popular
voltage levels· in India ar~ as folJows:
(a) ·Alternating current EHV lines- 66 kV,"11 0 kV,. 132 kV, 220. kV, 400 kV,.765 kV. The indigenous
development
. of 1200 kV is ~ken. up through setting
.
up Test. Station-at Bina in MP...•....... ·

(b) DireCt curtent HV Lines - ± 500 kV; ± 600 kV and ± 800 kv

• I •, '

, ..·.·-··-
1.1.3 Land Mark Events of Transmission System in the Power S~ctor ..
.. ·:~· .
India h_as been demarcated into 5 regions namely Northe"rn, Eastern, Western, North Eastern
and Southern region as far as·po~er system in concerned. ·
1950-1960 Growth of State grids. and introduction of 220 kV Voltage Level

1977 · Introduction of 400 I<V Voltage level

1989 HVDC ~act< to Back system
1990 Introduction of +/-500 kV MVDC ·back to back· bi-polar Line
1991 North Easte_rn and· Eastern grids were .connected. ·
2000· 763 kV Transmission Line .(Initially charged
.
at400
..
kV) .
.2003 WR and ER-NER we.re interconnected
2006 North and East grids were interconn~cted .
2007 Operation of 765 kV Sipat SIS. and 765 kV TL
2012 (Feb) Pilot 1200 .kV S/c line was su.ccessfully test charged at 1"200 kV UHVAC·National Te.st
~tation at Bina, Madhya Pradesh. ·
2013 (Dec) Southern Region was connected to C~ntral" Grid in Synchronous mode with the
commissioning of 765 kV Raichur~Solapur Transmission line thereby ac~ieving
'ONE NATION:-'ONE GRID'

1
 2 Manual on Tra?zsmission Lines

1.2 DEVELOPMENT OF POWER SYSTEMS IN INDIA .

· 1.2.1 The independent India has witnessed phenomenal rise~in Power Generation, Transmissi~m and ·
Distribution· over the years. The· pre-independence generation was 1362 MW and th~ highest
transmission voltage was 132 kV. The following comparison indicates the growth.

Year VIII Plan End IX Plan End X Plan End XI Plan End
(March 1997) (March 200~) (March 2007) .(March 2012)
\

Power Generation 85,797 1,05,046 1,32,329.81 1,99,877

Capacity (MW) ·
Transmission Net .Work (Ckm)
·.
765 kVA~C. 0 1160 .. 2184 5250
HVDC 1634 4738 .. 5872. 9432
'•

. 400 kVA.C ·36142 49378 75722' 106819

230/220 kV A.C . 79600. 96993' 114629 135980
Total Tls 117376 152269 198407· 257481
... ·.
Substations· (MVA)
765 kV AJC 0 0 0 25000
400kVAC 40869 60380 92942· 151027 •
230/220 kV AC 84177 ·116363 156497 223774
\.

TotaiAC SIS 125042 176743. 249439 399801

J
Capacity (MVA) .
...
HVDC · 0 5200 8200 ·9750
Total AC+HVDC 125042 181943 257639 409551

T~e· generation ca·pacity· addition planned for 1.2th plan and 1.3th plan period is 118537 MW and
116900 MW·respectively. This .includes 30,000 MW·an·d 30,500 MW from renewable energy sources
during. the above period. ·

1·.2.2 Open access in the· power sector has made private ·sector participation .in the construction of
Transmission network e reality. long' term concession agreements are .entered into for construction
and· maintenance of the Extra High. Voltage. transmission lines· for en~block power transfer. Thus
there is a cor:npetitive market for construction and long term maintenance of transmission lines·.
This is bot,Jnd .to help in adding more circuit km of various voltage class along with the expansion
plans of state poWer utili~ies and t.he Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL). The pnvate sector ·
power generators also need to construct tr~nsmission lines for connectivity to infinite gritf.
Power Grid Corporation of India (CTUj a major public sector Company in ·the country· in Transmission
system has the largest transmission ne.twork. the details of network owried by Power Grid is given •
as under: · ·

Particulars Xth Plan (2002-2007) .XI Pl~n _(2007-2012) XU Plan (2012-17)

Transmission network · 59,46,1 .. 92.981 39284
(ckm)
Sub-stations (nos.) 104 1-50 60.
Transformation Capacity I
54915 .. 124525 101595 MVA+
(MVA) 12000 MW JHVDC)
Inter-regional Capacity . 14100 . 28000' N.A.
(MW) ..
 introduction 3

Development of Super Voltage Transmission Line .

(i) ±-800 kV Multi-Terminal System
+/-500 kV HVDC bipolar lines si·e in operation over a period of two decades and have good ..
experience in design, operation and maintenance. Development and. Implementation of
±-800 kV, 6000 MW multi-terminal HVDC system of around 2000 km from North Eastern
Region (Biswanath Chariali in Assam and Alipurduar of.West Bengal) to Northern. Region.
(Agra in Uttar Pradesh) is under construction. It shall be amongst world's largest ±BOO kV
multi-ten:ninal HVDC system.

(ii) 1200 kV UHVAC Transmission System

To meet the long-term bulk power transfer requirement an overlaying super grid with 1200 kV
UHVAC system has been envisaged. The .1200 ·kv UHVAC technology, the highest voltage
level in the world, is being developed by Power Grid .Corporation· in collaboration with 35
Indian manufacturers. ·

This is·one of the unique R&D projects in public-privatf;t partnership model. The pilot 1200 kV
S/c line was successfully test charged and 1200 kV D/c line erected at 1200 kV UHVAC ·
National Test Station at Bina, Madhya Pradesh in February,· 2012. The 1200 kV UttVAC
technology is currently under field testing...
This endeavour shall b~nefit Indian power sector to enter into new era· of a1200 kV level
with 1200 kV class equipment from the manufacturer with in the country.
The pilot ·1200 kV S/c line was successfully test charged anq 1400 kV D/c line erected .
at 1200 kV UHVAC National Test ~tation at Bina, Madhya Pradesh in Febru·ary, 2012 by·
Power Grid, The 1200 kV UHVA~ technology is ctirrently. under field testing. s•.
\
(iii). Power Grid has operationalised 765 kV EHVAC level by charging Sipat-Seoni transmission
line at its rated voltage in October,.2007~ Additionally, ~uring XI Plan·, seven (7) number 9.f~
765 kV sub-stations and about 3500 ckm. of 765 kV transmission lines have been added ....
Further, the highest voltage level in the world, 1200 kV UHVAC Test Station has been tesf~-
charged. · · · · · ·

. 1.3 · TRANSMISSION LINE ·SUPPORT STRUCTURES

1.3.1 The transmission lines are normally supported by latticed towers. Therefore the reliability of ·
these lines depends much. on the reliability of the towers and their foundations. The towers .
· support the conductor, insulators and earth wire and /or ,Optical Fibre Ground Wire and also
help .in maintaining vertical & horizontal Electrical cleara·n~e~ from the live conductor.to ground·
(Phase clearance) and live conductor to. live con9uctor (Phase to Phase .Clearance). The
·ground clearance after ·aceounting for maximum sag and ·maximum conductor temperature
·:.· under no wind conditio~ is :a statutory requirement and one· of th~ important s.tipulation of the
specification. ·
1
f 1.3.-2 . Due to the high cost of Right o~ Way (ROW), the emphasis is on transfer of large quantum of power .
through an optimum corridor. This has result~d into increase in the voltage ·levels of transmission
lines and use of narrow base towers & poles. Besides, the Hydro Power potential in .Northern &
North-Eastern Himalayan regions have prompted planners to construct Ultra High Voltage (UHV)
lines like 765 kVA.C. &1200·kV A. C. Limitation of bulk power transfer capability of ac transmission
a
lines over longer distanCe, the High voltage D.C. lines have.been indu~ted to transfer a big chunk
of power over a very long distance (say 2500 MW over 1500 km). All the above reasons lead to the .
design, fabrication and construction of very tall and broad towers. Optimization of designs of towers
results into the cost opti.mization of transmission lines.

(.
4 '"
Manuai on Transmission Lines

1.3.3 The weight of a tower required for any specific application is influenced to a great extent by the
selection of tqwer configuration, choice of steel structural for tower members, type of tower, types
of connections etc. On the basis of experience and designing skill,a tower designer can produce
tower designs conforming to the governing specifications and bring about optimization in tower
weight without sacrificing stability and reliability features of the finished tower, which are very
important for structural reliability of a transmission line. This depends not only on the designs of
tower and its foundation but also on the type of tower, development of structural arrangement of
tower mernber, detailing of connections, quality of steel struGtural, accuracy in fabrication, proper
soil investigations, use of foundations according to soil conditions at sites of tower installation,
accuracy am:~ adequate care in tower erection and stringing as well as proper. maintenance of the
erected towers.
1.3.4 Depending on the manner in which the towers are supported, they fall in the following two broad
·categorie$. · ·

1. · Selfsupporting Towers

2. Mono Poles·/ Narrow base towers

3. Guyer:! Towers ·

Th~s Manual covers all aspects of designs of self supporting to~ers and· mono poles and their
fo':Jndations in a comprehensive manner..
1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ANO ECOLOGICAL AWAKENI,NG
. .
1.4.1 Environmental and· ecological aspects were not given so much importance in ·the past il1 the
designs of trarismis~ion lines and their routi11g. However, availability of more ·sophisticated facilities
hefs made it possible to investigate into· the effects of electric and magnetic fields associated with
transmission lines and understand and better appreciate the possible adverse effects of the above
fields. In order to. ensure that thes~ fields least affect the way of the life and ecology, the conductor
configuration, tower shapes and transmission line corridors are .so chosen that the .magnitudes.
of·radio interference (RI), television interference {TVI),·audio .noise. (AN) and e~ectrostatic fields
radiated by the tra~smission lines are within sa!e limits and ecology is least affe~ed. . ..
1.4.2 While planning the construction of transmission. line, Impact on the environment & e~logy has ·
· to be given importance. T~e· .tower and line design shalf b~ such that It wlff minimize the impact
on environment and, ecology. The present day softwares and Information technology affords high
accessibi1ity of the route on .cOmputer desktop. This is able to optimize the design and engineering
as well as cost of the transmission ·nne. It also hastens selection·of ~oute.
1.5 PHILOSOPH.IES :IN DESIGN a·F "rRANSNIISSION LINES )

1.5.1 The philosophy of design is based on the probabilistic concept. Manual is based on guidance taken
from IEC:826 and 18:802-1995 (Part 1/Secth;m.1) 1995 ..Code of prActice for use ofstructural steel
in overhead transmission line towers" and is now taken up for updating.based on users and industry
experience. IS: 802 is also.under revision a·nd there is some difference in design approach and the
same is under discussiqn for arriving .at mutually acceptable solution. .
1.6 CONCEPTS USED IN TRANSMISSION LINE ,DESIGN
1.6.1 · The design concept is based on the following :
(i). Design based on lim'it load concept.:

(ii) Use of probabilistic m~thod of design.

...
(iii} Use of. Reliability levels in transmissio~ lines design..
 Introduction 5

(iv) Use of Co-ordination in strength of line components.

(v) Use of six basic wind speeds converted to 10 minutes average speeds correspond.ing to 10
metre height over mean retarding su~ace as the b~sis for wind·loads.on transmission lines.

(vi) Consideration of the effects of terrain category and topography of. transmission line corridors
in the design wind 8peecbs: and ·
(vii) Carrying out anticascading checks on all angle towers ..

1.7 GENERAL.
1.7.1 This revision in Manual includes additions and modifications and corrections in. the text of chapters
2 - 11 of earlier Manual and addition of chap~ers 12 - 16 to keep pace with· the _latest technological
development in transmission line segment of the power systerh.The revision also aims at material
and cost optimization in transmission line network. · ·

1.7.2 The Manual is drafted making its optimal use to the practicing engineers of States, Central and
Transmission Utility engineers as well as the new entrants to the power transmission segment:
The manual will also b'e useful to the academic institutions and training institutions to up-keeping

1.7~3
engineers.·
. . ·

The Manual.is also likely to be useful to the Transmission. Engineers from ott)er parts of the world
due to its versatility & simple presentation.
1.8 BRIEF OF TOPICS COVERED I_N THE 'MANUAL
:::t.
1.8.1 The chapter number 2 tb 11 covered in the Manual published by CBI&P in 1998 (publication number
268) ha~e been revised covering new technologies and approac~ to th~ design.

1.8.2 In addition. to above, five new chapters have been introduced on Polymer Insulators, M~ti Circuit
Towers I Narrow ~ase Towers, Uprating-Up-gradation· of Transmission Lines, Monopofef Jowers,
New Generation Conductor. These chapters are included keeping update on latest technologies.
. ~

1.8.3 Ch,apter 2 -; 11 of Manual p~blished i~ 1998 (CBI&P'Public.ation No. 268) .

1.8.3.1 Chapter 2- Tower Types and Shapes . ·
1.8.3.1.1 This chapter describes fully the typ~s of towers, tower shapes and designation ·of towers and
brings out the essential differences between the· various types of towers and the factors ·for
preference of a particular type· of tower over other types, for some. specific considerations.
. .
1.8.3.1.2 The revised chapter contains improved drawings ptesentati~n, alternatives arrangement of
transposition tower, arrangement of crossing gantry structure, etc.
•
1.8~3.2 Chapter 3- Tower Geometry

1.8.3.2.1 This chapter describes the .various portions of towers and detail$. the .factors ·which ·determine.
tower height, tower width at various levers and the spread of cross-arms: It also ·describes the
various types of bracing systems, insula.tor stings and gives details of their composition,- typical·
details of insul-ator strrngs, values of angles of swing and corresponding electrical clearances
for insulator strings and jumpers for transmission lines of different voltage clas~ already in
service in India, analytical calculations.of electrical clearanc~s on transmission .lines e_tc.

1.8.3.S Chapter~ - Electrical Clearances

1.8.3.3.1 This chapter covers. the requirements regarding. the minimum electrical clearanCes to be
maintained at tower and at mid span between live parts of transmission line and from live parts
to tower members for the vari?us types. of over voltages to which transmission iines of different.
 6 Manual on Transmission Lines

·voltage levels are subjected in service. It also deals with the minimum ground ,..,o!::.r!:lrii"C
effect of span length on clearances and the requirements regarding electrical clearances
power line crossing over telecommunication circuits, railway tracks, rivers, lakes etc.
details have been given for different voltage level.
1.8.3.3.2 The revised· Chapter contains data mentioned above as applicable to 800 kV and 1200. kV
system and HVDC +/500 kV and 800 kV transmission Lines in addition to modifications in
· span clearances, angle of shield, latest rf)ilway track crossing clearance ac and de,
parameters for 800 kV and 1200 kV ac. TL and HVDC +/- BOO and 500 kV, limit of distance

.. . point of blasting from tower, Minimum distance of digging from tower and co.nstruction of
· ·kiln; ~tc.
1.8.3.4 Chapter 5- Design Parameters

1.8.3.4.1 T~is chapter covers the electrical Clearances on of 800 kV and 1200 kV ac and +/-800
HVDC and geological environmental and ecological considerations which influence
de~igns of trc:;nsmission lines .. lt deals with the effects of shielding of lee-ward conductors
the wind-ward co.nductors of bundle conductors, insulator strings details, span limits and
sign_ificance in tower design, conductor creep .allowance etc. ·

1.~.3.4.2 The revlseq chapter covers revised max temp limits of conductor, miryimum temp.angle
shield, corridor requirement, PTCC requirement, types & nos of conductor in bundle,
win~, insulator strings 400 kV arid above Voltage lines and HVDC lines, etc. '
1.8.3.4.3 The ·revised chapter :provides for procedure to sag- tension C!=llculations for conductor
earth wire I OPGW.
. .
· . · f.8.3.5 Chapter 6- ·L~adings. ·

1.8.3.5.1 This· chapter defines the. various types of loads including oblique wind and narrow front
... giv~s methods ,for the.ir estimation 'for snow-free regions, deal With the Reliability Requu Cillltill
- climatic· loading under normal condition security requirements - Failure containment
broke.n wire condition, safety. requirements under construction and maintenance loads
. anti-cascading requir~ments. · · ·
1.8.3.5~2
The revised Chapter also covers loads with Ice (Snow region) In addition to Loading
under normal condition and also provides for loading combination under various ,..,.,,,.."' 1 ~"'~!:1til
·of h;;e .and wind& temperature.
1.8.3.5.3 The revised ch~pt~r also covers important provision on modified load!ng criteria for BWC
suspension tower (Nil wind at 32 degree C to 75% of max wind pressure at 32 degree C)
tension towers (1 00% wind at 32 degree c to 75% of max wind pressure at 32 degree c
.. Security/Failure containment Load criteria to improve the stability of suspension tower and
effect economy in the weight of tension towers, etc.
1.8.3.6 Chapter 7- Design of Tower Members
1.8.3.6.1 This chapter describes the·methods of.analysis of stresses in plane trusses and space
and deals, with selection ·of grades and sizes of steel structural for tower members, use of
- tensile steel and mild steel sections slenderness ratio limits for memb.ers with calculated
. . -uncalculated stresses, built-up members, permissible stresses in tower memb~rs and
design of tower members an~ member connections·.
1.8.3. 7 Chapter 8- Te.sting of Towers

1.8.3.7.1 This chapter deals with the purpose of testing of towers, describes a typical tower I
station, calibration of load cells, rigging arrangements, locations of load cells in the test ·
1
testing pro'cedure, sequence of test loading cas,es, acceptance of test results and testing !'
tower materiaL ·
 1ntroduction 7

1.8.3.8 Chapter 9- Tower Materials, Fabrication, Galvanization, Inspection.& Storage

1.8.3.8.1 This chapter deals with material quality control, spe.cific requiiemen.ts of fabrication covering
preparation of structural assembly drawings, shop drawings and bill. of materials, cutting
means, operations in .fabrication ·such as straightening, cutting (i.e., cropping, shearing, cutting
or saucing), bending,. punching, dri.lling and marking tolerances, shop erection (hori~ontal
or vertical), method of galvanizing, inspection as per quality assurances plan, packaging of
finished members and their storage. The chapter highlights the significance of planning as it has
great bearing on optimum. utilization of material and limiting the w~stage. The chapter contains
data on permissible Edge Security and Bolt Gauges, chemical and mechanicai properties of
Mild and high tensile steels, properties of Equal/Unequal Angles, Channels,· Plates, Bolts/Nuts
and Anchor Bolts, it also contains a sample QAP, list of tower·fabricating machinery,. details of
galvanizing. plant and the tests to be conducted. on fabricated members. _,~

1.8.3.9 Chapter 10- Design of Foundations

1.8.3.9.1 This chapter deals with design requirements for various types offoundat~ons for self...supporting
towers. It brings out the Importance of soil investigations and testing, classification of soils and
excavations, types of foundations and their application areas1 procedure for their designs etc.
The chapter .contains the permissible .values. of soil bearing capacities, permissible stress values
for concrete .• reinforcement bar details and procequre for testing of foundation. Application of
design methods is demor,strated by typical detailed calculations of designs for different types
of foundations. The chapter describes:methods for investigating foundations and carrying· out ·
their repairs during construction stage and ·on the lines ~n s~rvice. . · ·
1.8.3.9.2 The revised Chapter includes example for design of chimney with stub contribution, 10% margin
over the loads derived from tower for considerations of limit loads for d~sf~n of foundations, in
case of unreinforced or reinforced chimney but stub anchored in bottom stab or chimney, stub
angle to be considered as reinforcement for additional re:inforc~ment for design of. chimney,
for stub in chimney designed for dev~lopment length, the full reinforcem~nt as per design
requirement will ·be provided neglecting st~b, etc. ·-.,.
. . . ·~
1.8.3.9.3 The isqlated normal type footings of conventional towers are Rot to be checked for design for
sliding and overturning. Foundation$ with combine footing to be checked (or sliding and over
turning.
1.8.3.9.4 The Chapetr gives illustrative examples for design of ·fou.ndations for various types of soif
ta~ing
Into consideration the proposed modifi~tions in design approach.

1.8.3~ 10 Chapter 11 - Construction ()f Transmis~lon Lines

1'.8.3.1 0.1 This chapter covers all the stages from reconnaissance survey up to commission.ing of lines·.
It deals with statutory regulations, line corridor selection from environment angle, methods
of tower erection, paying out of conductors under uncontroUed an~· controlled tension, final
sagging, ·clamping in, installation of spacer/vibration damper/ spacer damper, jtJmpering live.
line stringing of EHV lines,· protection· of tcwer foothig·s etc. It· also covers the tests to be.
conducted before line energiZ8tion.
. .
1.8.3.1 0.2 The revised Chapter has been ~pdated to include latest statutory. regulati9ns and other
modifications carried out in corresponding chapters, etc.
1-.8.4 New Chapters added In this manual

1.8.4.1 Chapter12- Multiclrcuit & Na'rrow Base Towercs

Mu\ticircuit ·Chapter covers Multi circuir'configurations. Glearances between circuits, Loadings

& Typical Single Line diagram· 9f Multi Circui~ towers: ·

l
 8 Manual on Transmission Lines

1.8.4.2 Narrow Base· Tower .. Chapter covers approach to the design of Narrow base tower
structure <md its foundation.

1.8.4.3 .Chapter 13 - Uprating.. up ..gradation

.
of Transmission Lines
.

1.8.4.3.1 This chapter covers the need for uprating and up-gradation methodology for uprating, hardware
and accessories and case studies for uprating. The chapter also includes the methodology for
upgrading, electrical feasibility studies and some case- studies on up-gradation ...

1~8.4.4 Chapter 14- Monopole Towers·

1.8.4.4.1 The chapter covers advantages .of Monopole, pole Configuration, design methodology, loads on
the poles, poles design, pole deflection, software for analysis and design &design calculations
forrmle. · · '" · ·

1.8.4.5 Chapter.15 New Generation Conductors

!'""

. ·1.8.4.5.1 Chapter covers Low Resistant Conductors • AL59 Alloy Conductors, HTLS (High Temperature
Low Sag) Conductors-TACSR {Th.e~al Alioy Conductor Steel Reinforced), Parameters for
Selectionof New Generation Conductqrs. .

1.8.4.6 Ch!fpter 16- Polymer Insulators for use on Tran~mlssion Lines

1.8~4.6.1 The chapter cpvers brief History of Polymeric Insulators statistical data of use of polymeric
insulators, mechanism of pollution of flashover and comparison .of polymeric. insulator with
porcel~in and gl~ss· insulator. Components of polymeric insulators, ·operational experience of
polymeric ~ns~::~lator as weu·as·handiing, cleaning & packing. J

1.9 . RECENT DEVELQPMENT'AND 'R&D IN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IN INDIA

1.9.1 National Hig~. Power Test Laboratory Pr.ivate Limited (NHPTLPL)

POWERGRID, NTPC, NHPC, DVC have entered into a Joint yenture Agreement in April, 2009 an~ ·
CPR I in Feb 2012 with equal participation with each other for setting up an On-line High Power Test
Laboratory namely 'National High Power Test Laboratory Private Limited' for short circuit test facility
in India. ·
. A.fully independen~, stand alone., state-of-the-art, professionally managed, international class, "On
· lin~ High Power Short Circuit Test Facility" .is being established by· NHPTLPL: at. Bina (M.P.) to·
provide a full range of. short circuit ·testing for the ~lectrical equipment manufacturing industry and
power utilities in conformance to lndia·n and International Standards.
1.9.2 Formation of Unified (;rid wef 1•t January 2014

Four regional grids viz Northern Grid, No~h J;astern Grid. Eastern Grid, Western Grid have been
in synchronous operation since long. Southern regi.on grid has amalgamated from January 1, 2014
making lndia'slargest integrated grid as the biggest world grid. ;
New Year's Day (2014} brought qut a long-awaited landmark in Indian history- for the first time
ever, India's electrical power. system is a unified QS a whole; On January 1, the commissioning of
a single .line·- from Raichur (Karnataka} to Sholapur .(Maharashtra)- allowed the GOI to claim that
the. ~out~em states h~ve been integrated ·with the national grid right on schedule. The Indian grid
is now truly national and has ·around 232 GW of installed generation capacity, making it one of the
largest in the world. · · · ·
Southern Regional grid, which is presently connected through various High Voltage Direct Current
(HVDC) links with rest of the grid is planned to be conne.cted synchronously by early 2014 through
high capacity Raichur-Sholapur 765 kV (2xS/c) tines.
 Introduction 9

To further strengthen the National Grid, various high capacity HVDC and EHV Alternating Current
(EHVAC) ·inter-regional links with total capacity of 65,550 MW have been planned to take. care
of inter-regional power transfer. requirement of variou·s planned generation projects including
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) scheduled for commissioning in XII Plan.

1.9.3 Smart Grid

The Ministry of Power shortlist9d 14 Smart Grid pilot projects across the country to implement 7
different smart grid functionalities. Out of 14, PGCIL has been appointed· as consultant for 8 of ·
these projects. · · · .
... .
Specialised Smart Grid" Department has been set up by Power Grid to take. up implementation
II

of Smart Grid I Smart City Projects. Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a number of cities like
Amritsar, Raipur (Satara), Puducherry, Agartala, and.·Panlpat for pilot smart grid projects have ·
been submitted under India Smart Grid Task Force. Further, project reports for implementation
of Smart grid/ cities for Fi!ozabad and Katra have been submitted and for Bidhuna, Sllikohabad,
Jammu (Gandhinagar Division), Baghat, ·Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Charar-i-Sharief, Chitradurga
(Karna\aka), District/~des of Tripura, · Chhatisgarh, Haryana, Punjab.,Bihar etc. are under
preparation. ·
The pilot Smart grid/ Smart· city project in Puducherry has been taken up for which an MOU has
been signed with Electricity Dept., Govt. of Puducherry in March 2012. ln·all, 63 .organizations have
joined hands with Power ~ria for implementation of this pilot project. ·

1.9.4 · National Knowled.ge Network '(NKN) Project .J.

Prestigious National Knowledge Network '(NKN) project with Power Grid is one of the implementing
agencies through which Government plans to connect all knowledge cent~rs across 'the Country
such as IITs, liSe, etc. on high speed connectivity.

1.9.5 SAARC Grid

The de;tails are given as under:
. (i) At present, electrical'interconnections exist between India & Bhutan and ·India ..& Nepaf and these·
are being further st(engthened for substa~tial exchange of power across the borde,rs.
(ii) An asynchronous interconnection between India & Bangladesh has. already been established by
linking Barhampur (India) and Bheramara HVDC station (back to ~ack) in Bangladesh.
(iii) Feasibility study for an under-sea interconnection between India and Sri Lanka is under
finalization. ·
(iv) 500 MW Amritsar (India) - Lahore (Pakistan) HVDC link between India. and Pakistan· is under

-, . 1.9.6
discussion. · · · · · ·

+/- 800 kV HVDC Bipolar Line from Chamba to Kuruks~etra with Metallic Return
". .

For conventional HVDC Transmission system, ground return arrangement is being used as a part
of t:~VDC Bi-pole system to facilitate the Mono-pole Operation by providing return path under a.
condition when one of the high voltage DC line is under maintenance. ·
In case of Dedicated Metallic Return (DMR), a third conductor is laid on the same tower ca.,.Ying
the line conductor. instead of ~aving a ground electrode as return path. .

The various advantages of the having the third conductor as ~ return path _are following:
'
• It eliminates the element of uncertainty about the proper functionality of the earth electrode
station. ·

.I
10 . Manual on Transmission Lines

• It avoids acquisition of separate land (500 x 500 m for electrode for 2000 A) for each earth
electrode stations, .construction of electrode stations which involves requirement of large
amount of steet rods and coke. ...

• The construction of new transmission line between earth electrode station and respective
HVDC terminal station is also avoided. . .

RHV Conductor

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.Pale1 :
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:..
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:

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. ...

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.

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. 'Pole2
:
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RHv Conductor·
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+/~00 kV HVDC Bipolar Li.ne .from Chamba to Kurukshetra with ~etallic Return .
.. .
The provision of return conductor marginally increases the cost and .Transmission line losses of
project. However, it· provides a prudent solution to the issues of uncertain soil characteristics, land
acqliisi~i~n corrosion etc. with the conventional earth return.line!el~ctrode station ·