Discussion examined on 18 infrastructure initiatives worth over 36,000 crores for Gujarat and Rajasthan by the government
**News Article: Transmission System Strengthening Scheme Addresses Key Challenges in Renewable Energy Infrastructure**
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently held a meeting to discuss critical issues affecting major infrastructure projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a focus on the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme. Praveen Mahto, Principal Economic Adviser at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), chaired the meeting and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for project monitoring.
The Transmission System Strengthening Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the transmission infrastructure to evacuate solar power from key renewable energy zones in Rajasthan and Gujarat, India. The scheme involves an estimated investment of ₹14,147 crore and focuses on solar zones in Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer) and Gujarat (Surendranagar, Patan, and Kutch).
The project includes the construction of high-voltage transmission lines and substations to integrate over 9 GW of solar capacity into the national grid. The government is exploring partnerships to fund and implement the project efficiently. The scheme aims to enhance the capacity and resilience of the national grid, supporting India's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Several challenges have been addressed in the implementation of the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme. Right-of-Way (RoW) challenges have been mitigated by increasing compensation for landowners, linking it to the market value of the land. Ongoing efforts are being made to resolve land acquisition issues swiftly through high-level meetings and project monitoring frameworks.
The Project Monitoring Group (PMG) has been instrumental in addressing critical issues affecting major infrastructure projects, including removing bottlenecks in project implementation. The PMG platform can be accessed at .
Mahto emphasized the importance of private project proponents actively leveraging the PMG platform and directed the concerned authorities to adopt a proactive approach in resolving pending issues. The meeting also discussed forest-related issues with the State Government to expedite their resolution for the project.
In Rajasthan, the scheme targets solar zones in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer. The 5G/4G network expansion project of Reliance Jio was reviewed in the meeting, recognized as a project of national importance. The project aims to extend 5G mobile services to uncovered and remote areas, while also strengthening existing 4G infrastructure.
In Gujarat, the focus areas include Surendranagar, Patan, and Kutch. The meeting focused on addressing key challenges such as right-of-way (RoW) and land acquisition to accelerate progress in these projects. Mahto underlined the need for effective coordination among Central Ministries, State Governments, and private stakeholders for the timely and efficient resolution of project-related concerns.
The Transmission System Strengthening Scheme is part of India's broader strategy to scale up clean energy deployment and support ambitious climate goals, with ongoing efforts to address logistical and regulatory challenges. The project, once completed, will significantly improve digital connectivity, especially in remote and strategically important regions.
Technology plays a crucial role in the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme, as it aims to enhance the transmission infrastructure to evacuate solar power from key renewable energy zones. This includes the construction of high-voltage transmission lines and substations, which are essential for integrating over 9 GW of solar capacity into the national grid. Furthermore, the government is exploring partnerships and utilizing platforms such as the Project Monitoring Group to implement the project efficiently, ultimately supporting India's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and potentially improving digital connectivity in remote regions.
