New Delhi, September 30, 2026: The Union Cabinet has approved the PM-DHARA (PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access) Scheme, a major infrastructure programme aimed at strengthening India’s intra-state electricity transmission network and improving the integration of renewable energy into the national power system.
The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore and is designed to enable the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across states and Union Territories. It also includes plans to deploy 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Focus on Renewable Power Transmission
India has rapidly expanded its solar and wind power capacity, but moving electricity from renewable-rich regions to major consumption centres remains a significant infrastructure challenge.
PM-DHARA is designed to strengthen intra-state transmission systems so that renewable electricity generated in different parts of the country can be transported more efficiently and connected to the wider grid.
Renewable-rich regions such as Rajasthan and Ladakh are among the areas where adequate power evacuation infrastructure is particularly important, according to reporting on the Cabinet announcement.
₹1.36 Lakh Crore for Transmission Infrastructure
A substantial portion of the programme’s funding is directed towards intra-state transmission infrastructure.
The approved framework allocates approximately ₹1,36,378 crore for the transmission component, while another ₹50,000 crore is earmarked for battery energy storage systems. The Centre will provide ₹54,082 crore in financial support under the programme.
The government support is intended to help offset transmission-related costs and support the development of renewable power infrastructure.
50 GWh Battery Storage to Address Renewable Energy Variability
Solar and wind generation can fluctuate depending on weather conditions and the time of day. This creates challenges for grid operators when electricity production does not match demand.
The PM-DHARA programme therefore includes 50 GWh of battery energy storage capacity. These systems can store electricity when renewable generation is high and make it available when generation falls or demand rises.
The government says the storage component will help address intermittency, transmission congestion, peak-hour curtailment and electricity demand during non-solar hours.
Why Transmission Has Become Critical
India’s renewable energy expansion means that adding generation capacity alone is not enough. Electricity must also be transported from generation sites to areas where it is needed.
Without sufficient transmission capacity, renewable power can face grid congestion or curtailment. PM-DHARA is intended to address this infrastructure gap by expanding the transmission network alongside renewable energy development.
Part of India’s Larger Clean Energy Strategy
The new programme represents the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor initiative and is designed to prepare India’s electricity grid for continued growth in renewable power.
The scale of the programme also reflects India’s longer-term plans to expand non-fossil electricity generation and improve the ability of the grid to handle increasing volumes of renewable power.
Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The large-scale transmission and storage programme is expected to create significant demand for equipment and infrastructure, including transmission systems, transformers, cables and battery storage technologies.
The programme could also generate additional investment from private companies involved in power transmission and renewable energy infrastructure, although the actual economic impact will depend on project execution and the pace at which contracts are awarded.
Implementation Through Competitive Bidding
According to reports on the Cabinet decision, new greenfield transmission projects are expected to be awarded through competitive bidding, while state transmission utilities will play an important role in implementing the programme.
The scheme is targeted for completion by financial year 2032-33.
What PM-DHARA Could Mean for Consumers
The immediate objective of PM-DHARA is infrastructure development rather than direct consumer subsidies. However, stronger transmission networks and greater use of energy storage could help the electricity system handle renewable generation more efficiently.
Over time, better grid integration could reduce renewable energy curtailment and improve the ability to supply electricity during periods when solar and wind generation is lower.
The Road Ahead
PM-DHARA marks a significant expansion of India’s investment in the transmission and storage infrastructure needed to support renewable energy growth.
With ₹1.86 lakh crore in total outlay, 135 GW of renewable power evacuation capacity and 50 GWh of planned battery storage, the programme is designed to address one of the key challenges facing India’s clean-energy transition: ensuring that electricity generated from renewable sources can be stored, transmitted and delivered when and where it is needed.