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Removal of the Power and Telecommunication Co-ordination Committee’s Route Approval Certificate for transmission lines
The Ministry of Power (Transmission Division), vide an office memorandum on July 21, 2026[1](“OM”), has removed the requirement of obtaining Route Approval Certificate (“RAC”) from the Power and Telecommunication Co-ordination Committee (“PTCC”) for construction or operation of electricity transmission lines. This change has been introduced in view of the technological advancements in communication systems which have reduced the concerns relating to safety, induction and interference between power and telecommunication networks arising from the operation of transmission lines. The OM also sets out the procedure for addressing residual interference concerns with railways and defence communication networks at the time of development and operation of electricity transmission lines.
General obligations
Section 160(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003, provides that:
“Every person generating, transmitting, distributing, supplying or using electricity (hereinafter in this section referred to as the “operator”) shall take all reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his electric lines, electrical plant and other works and in working his system, so as to not injuriously affect, whether by induction or otherwise, the working of any wire or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephone or electric signalling communication, or the currents in such wire or line. ”
In light of the above, the OM requires that every transmission service provider or utility engaged in the construction or operation of electric lines, electrical plants and associated works is required to ensure that induced voltages on telecommunication and signalling infrastructure, earth potential rise zones, and associated interference levels remain within the safe operating limits recommended by the equipment manufacturer or prescribed under applicable technical standards, laws and PTCC Manual, 2010.
Further, the responsibility of ensuring safety, protection and non-interference to telecommunication and signalling infrastructure rests with the entity constructing or operating the electric line, electrical plant or associated works.
Transmission lines of sixty-six Kilovolt and below
The OM clarifies that entities constructing and operating transmission lines of 66 (sixty-six) Kilvolt (“kV”) and below 66 (sixty-six) kV, will not be required to give any prior intimation to the railways or defence authorities, regarding any potential induction or interference caused from such electric lines.
Transmission lines of two hundred and tweny kV and above
Upon finalisation of the route alignment of an electric line of 220 (two hundred and twenty) kV and above, the entity constructing or operating the transmission lines must inform the railways and defence authorities through the Central Electricity Authority (“CEA”) of the same and send copies of notifications issued under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to the Ministry of Defence and the Railway Board.
The respective authorities are required to respond with mitigation measures (if any), within 60 (sixty) days of receipt of the route alignment shared by the entities, beyond which it will be treated as deemed ‘no objection’.
Mitigation measures and cost allocation
The concerned entity must implement all mitigation measures necessary to ensure the safety, protection, and non-interference of signalling or communication infrastructure from induction, interference, or other related effects resulting from the construction or operation of the transmission system. Any other mitigation measures required at the end of the existing infrastructure will be undertaken by the relevant authority. Further, the costs associated with such mitigation or protection measures, as determined and communicated by the relevant authority, shall be borne by the concerned entity.
Role of CEA
Any difference in opinion between the entity and the affected authority regarding matters such as assessment, scope, implementation, technical adequacy, or cost of mitigation measures for construction of electric lines, may be referred to CEA. The CEA will examine such issues in consultation with the parties involved and facilitate resolution as per applicable laws, technical standards and safety requirements.
Any non-implementation of mitigation measures or non-payment of costs by the concerned entity, as required by railways or defence authorities, must be reported to the CEA by the respective authority. The CEA will take cognisance of such matter and ensure mitigation measures are completed before first time charging of the line.
The respective States have been empowered to nominate state transmission utility or any other body as the nodal agency to perform functions similar to those assigned to CEA for electric lines up to and including 132 (one hundred and thirty-two) kV.
Conclusion
Removal of procuring the RAC from PTCC and introducing the deemed ‘no objection’ from respective authorities is expected to streamline the process of procurement of approvals for development of electricity transmission projects. At the same time, the entities engaged in the construction and operation of transmission lines are responsible to address any induction or interference issues through appropriate mitigation measures. Developers should therefore continue to ensure compliance with the applicable technical and safety requirements stipulated under Indian laws while planning and executing any transmission projects.
This Prism is prepared by:
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M. Arun Kumar |
Ahona Pal |
Kopal Kesarwani |
For more details, please contact km@jsalaw.com.
[1] Reference no. 34-3/33/2026-TRANS(MOP)
