Patna: The Bihar govt has finalised a Rs 12,869 crore transmission upgrade blueprint to meet the state’s projected electricity demand of 18,708MW by the financial year 2034-35, a senior energy department official said on Saturday.The ambitious plan, prepared by the Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL) under the guidance of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), envisions a substantial expansion of the intra-state transmission network.A detailed study, jointly conducted by BSPTCL, CEA, the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd and Grid-India, projects that Bihar’s electricity demand will more than double over the next decade – from 8,428MW in 2025 to 18,708MW by FY 2034-35.“To cater for this demand surge, the state will require 23,430MVA (mega volt amperes) of upgraded transformation capacity, 5,422 circuit kilometres of new transmission lines, 459CKM (circuit kilometres) of reconductoring of existing lines and enhanced reactive power compensation at various substations to maintain voltage stability,” the official told TOI, adding that the planned investment is estimated at Rs 12,869 crore.State energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said, “This transmission plan is not merely a technical exercise; it is a strategic vision to ensure uninterrupted, affordable and high-quality electricity access for the people.”“As demand escalates, a phased and methodical upgrade of our transmission infrastructure is critical,” added energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh.BSPTCL managing director Rahul Kumar said, “The transmission network is the backbone of any power system. This long-term plan will strengthen that backbone and enhance system resilience. The 400 kV network will enable direct power evacuation from the Nabinagar Thermal Power Station and the proposed Pirpainti thermal plant into Bihar’s grid.”
