India expands grid transformation capacity by 113,013 MVA in FY26

India added 113,013 MVA of alternating-current (AC) transformation capacity to its power grid during fiscal year 2025-26. This achievement represents 90% of the 126,007 MVA target set by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

As of July 2026, the national network maintains approximately 1,486 GVA of AC transformation capacity at 220 kV and above. While capacity has grown at a 7% compound annual growth rate since FY19, the CEA's targets are increasing. The full-year target for FY27 is set at 158,339 MVA, with 35,670 MVA already added in the first four months of that fiscal year.

The National Electricity Plan for transmission outlines significant infrastructure requirements through 2031-32, including 1,91,474 circuit km of new transmission lines and 1,274 GVA of transformation capacity. A subsequent window from 2026-27 to 2035-36 calls for an estimated ₹7.93 lakh crore to add 137,500 circuit km and 827,600 MVA of substation capacity. These expansion efforts are driven by rising demand, with peak demand reaching 270.82 GW in May 2026.