Bengal Approves ₹473 Crore Power Grid Expansion Across Raiganj, Hooghly & Purba Bardhaman
West Bengal is set to strengthen its power transmission infrastructure with ₹473.06 crore of capital expenditure receiving in-principle approval from the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) for four transmission projects to be implemented by the West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL).
The projects are aimed at increasing transmission capacity, addressing rising electricity demand and strengthening the reliability of the state’s power network across Raiganj, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Bantala.
₹169.82 Crore Raiganj Substation Upgrade
The largest investment, worth ₹169.82 crore, will be used to upgrade the existing 132/33/11 kV substation at Raiganj to a higher-capacity 220/132/33/11 kV facility.
The project will also include LILO connectivity to the Dalkhola-Gazole 220 kV transmission line, strengthening Raiganj’s connectivity with the wider transmission network.
The upgrade comes against the backdrop of rising electricity demand in the region. Raiganj recorded a peak demand of around 128 MVA in June 2024, while the existing transformer capacity stood at 3×50 MVA.
The additional transmission capacity is expected to provide greater headroom for future demand and improve the reliability of power supply in the area.
₹157.21 Crore GIS Project at Sadarghat
The second-largest project involves an investment of ₹157.21 crore for establishing a new 132/33 kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) at Sadarghat in Purba Bardhaman.
The proposed facility will have 2×80 MVA transformers and 13 feeder bays, providing additional transmission capacity and improving the network’s ability to cater to growing electricity requirements in the region.
The project is particularly significant as industrial and urban electricity demand continues to expand across Bengal.
₹120.08 Crore GIS at Q-2 Industrial Park, Hooghly
Another ₹120.08 crore has been allocated for establishing a new 132/33/11 kV GIS at Q-2 Industrial Park in Hooghly.
The project will strengthen the power infrastructure supporting one of the state’s emerging industrial locations. Reliable and adequate power transmission capacity is critical for industrial parks as manufacturing activity and electricity consumption increase.
The new GIS is expected to enhance the availability and reliability of electricity for industries in the area while providing capacity for future expansion.
₹25.96 Crore for KLC Bantala
The fourth project involves ₹25.96 crore for strengthening the transmission infrastructure at KLC Bantala.
Unlike the other three projects, which are targeted for commissioning in 2028–29, the Bantala project has a comparatively earlier commissioning target of 2026–27.
Bantala is an important industrial and manufacturing hub in the Kolkata region, making transmission infrastructure strengthening particularly relevant for supporting industrial power demand.
Projects to Strengthen Bengal’s Power Network
Together, the four projects represent ₹473.06 crore of planned capital expenditure aimed at strengthening West Bengal’s transmission infrastructure.
The investments will increase transformation and transmission capacity, improve network connectivity and create additional infrastructure to accommodate future electricity demand.
With Raiganj, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Bantala receiving major transmission infrastructure upgrades, the projects are expected to support both urban electricity requirements and Bengal’s expanding industrial ecosystem.
The development also highlights the importance of strengthening the state’s electricity transmission network alongside industrial expansion and new investment. Reliable power infrastructure remains a key requirement for attracting industries, supporting existing businesses and enabling long-term economic growth across Bengal.