The Government of India has announced a Rs 6,42,944 crore plan to evacuate 65 GW of hydroelectric power from the Brahmaputra basin by 2035, as part of the “Master Plan for Evacuation of Power from Hydroelectric Plants in Brahmaputra Basin” prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). 

The plan includes the construction of 10,000 circuit km (ckm) of transmission lines, 30 GVA of transformation capacity, and 12 GW of HVDC systems across 12 sub-basins. Beyond 2035, an additional Rs 4,51,935 crore will be required to build 21,475 ckm of transmission lines and 68,175 MVA of capacity.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal emphasised the plan’s importance in ensuring long-term energy security and integrating renewable sources. CEA Chairman Ghanshyam Prasad said the plan offers clarity for hydropower developers in the region. It also proposes 11,130 MW of pumped storage capacity to be connected to the interstate transmission system (ISTS).