Uttar Pradesh is enhancing its power infrastructure with new substations under the Green Energy Corridor-II project, aiming to support 4000 MW of solar power in Bundelkhand. The Rs. 4,786 crore initiative includes 20 substations with over 9440 MVA capacity and 2172 km of transmission lines, improving grid reliability and renewable energy integration.
Uttar Pradesh Strengthens Electricity Network with New Substations
Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in upgrading its power transmission infrastructure to meet rising electricity demands and integrate renewable energy. The state, in collaboration with the Government of India, has launched the Green Energy Corridor-II (GEC-II) project in the Bundelkhand region, a Rs. 4,786 crore initiative led by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). This ambitious project involves the construction of 20 new substations with a cumulative transformation capacity of over 9440 MVA, alongside 2172 circuit kilometers of transmission lines to bolster the state’s power grid.
The GEC-II project is designed to evacuate 4000 MW of solar power, aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s renewable energy goals. The state aims to achieve 22,000 MW of solar capacity by 2026-27, with 14,000 MW from utility-scale projects, 6,000 MW from rooftop solar, and 2,000 MW from distributed generation. The new substations will play a critical role in ensuring efficient power evacuation and distribution, particularly for solar energy generated in Bundelkhand, a region with significant renewable energy potential.
In addition to the GEC-II initiative, Uttar Pradesh has seen other notable developments in its power sector. In 2022, 12 power substations and transmission centers were inaugurated, and foundation stones were laid for five more, with a total investment of Rs. 2,723 crore. These projects, launched during the Electricity Festival and Energy Day, have benefited districts such as Ballia, Jhansi, Fatehpur, Ayodhya, and Bagpat, improving power supply reliability. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that these efforts have enabled 23–24 hours of electricity supply in district headquarters, 20–22 hours in tehsil headquarters, and 16–18 hours in villages, a significant improvement from earlier years.
The state’s power demand has surged, with a record peak of 31,486 MW met in June 2025, alongside a supply of 16,930 million units. Despite challenges like high grid tariffs and distribution inefficiencies, Uttar Pradesh is addressing these issues through modernization. The adoption of Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) for transmission projects above 220 kV is a key reform, encouraging private investment and efficiency in the power sector. This move has opened opportunities for private players to contribute to the state’s transmission network, fostering competition and innovation.
Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (UPPTCL) has been instrumental in these developments, adding 5,740 MVA of substation capacity in 2021–22, as per the Central Electricity Authority. Specific projects include the Moradabad Substation (765/400 kV, 3000 MVA), expected to be commissioned in 2025, and the Obra Substation (765/400 kV, 3000 MVA), currently under construction. These high-capacity substations will enhance the state’s ability to handle large-scale power transfers and support renewable energy integration.
The state is also exploring innovative solutions like floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, with a 20 MW project operational at Auraiya Dam and a 150 MW plant under construction at Rihand Reservoir. UPNEDA’s assessment indicates a potential FPV capacity of 9.54–14.32 GW across 2,192 perennial waterbodies, further diversifying the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including aggregate technical and commercial losses of 22.33% in 2022–23 and occasional outages, such as the June 2024 power cut in Delhi caused by a fire at the Mandola substation in Uttar Pradesh. However, the state’s proactive measures, including infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms, are steadily improving grid reliability and positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in India’s renewable energy transition.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official government websites, industry reports, and credible news outlets, including powergrid.in, upneda.org.in, powermin.gov.in, and media publications like Elets eGov, India Today, and The Hindu. Data is accurate as of August 2025. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.