India unveils Rs 6.4 trillion hydro power transmission plan from Brahmaputra basin

India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has announced a comprehensive Rs 6.4 trillion plan to transmit more than 76 GW of hydroelectric power from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047.

According to a detailed roadmap released on Monday, the plan covers 208 large hydro projects spread across 12 sub-basins, combining 64.9 GW of conventional hydro capacity and 11.1 GW of pumped storage.

The first phase of the plan, running until 2035, will require an estimated Rs 1.91 trillion investment, while the second phase, through 2047, will cost around Rs 4.52 trillion.

Officials said the project will boost India’s renewable energy output and strengthen the transmission network in the Northeast, which remains largely underdeveloped.

The move comes amid concerns over China’s upstream dam projects on the Yarlung Zangbo, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra.

The plan will help India enhance energy security and optimise its vast hydropower potential in the region.