Karnataka’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy transmission infrastructure under the Green Energy Corridor Phase II project have encountered significant delays, prompting the state government to seek an extension of the completion deadline from March 31 to July 31 next year.

The Green Energy Corridor initiative is a strategic national programme designed to build transmission infrastructure for evacuating renewable energy from generation zones to consumption centres. Karnataka, being one of India’s leading renewable energy-producing states, plays a crucial role in this clean energy ecosystem.

The Phase II project, being implemented by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), was launched in 2022 with the objective of enhancing grid infrastructure and facilitating seamless integration of renewable energy into the state and national grid.

The project includes the construction of 938 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and substations with an aggregate transformation capacity of 1,225 MVA. Once completed, the infrastructure will enable evacuation of nearly 2,640 MW of renewable energy capacity, strengthening Karnataka’s clean energy transmission network and supporting India’s renewable energy ambitions.

However, despite achieving nearly 50 per cent progress, the project has faced major challenges in land acquisition and right-of-way clearances. These issues have significantly slowed construction activities, especially for transmission line routes and substation locations where land access remains a critical bottleneck.

In a formal communication to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Karnataka’s Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Gaurav Gupta, highlighted the “unforeseeable challenges” impacting execution timelines and requested an extension to ensure proper completion of the remaining infrastructure.

The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹1,036 crore, of which 33 per cent is being supported through central financial assistance. So far, the Centre has released ₹108 crore under the grant mechanism.

The delay underscores a broader challenge faced by renewable-rich states across India, where generation capacity expansion is often ahead of transmission readiness. Industry experts note that strengthening transmission corridors remains critical for achieving India’s renewable energy targets and ensuring reliable power evacuation from solar and wind-rich regions.

Once operational, the Green Energy Corridor Phase II is expected to significantly improve grid stability, facilitate higher renewable energy penetration, and support Karnataka’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable power system.