Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) is set to upgrade the Sasaram HVDC project in Bihar with an estimated investment of Rs 3,440 crore.

The project, which was commissioned in 2002, is nearing the end of its operational life, necessitating the upgrade. The revamped station will increase its transfer capacity from 500 MW to 1,000 MW, and replace the existing line commutated converter (LCC) technology with advanced voltage source converter (VSC) technology. This upgrade will be implemented under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) framework.

A key feature of the project will be the use of indigenous technology, including domestically developed semiconductors and a fully domestic supply chain. The Sasaram HVDC station, inaugurated by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, plays a crucial role in feeding power from the Eastern Region grid to the Northern region.