India has approved a major new initiative to strengthen its electricity transmission infrastructure and support the rapid expansion of renewable energy. The Union Cabinet has approved the PM DHARA Scheme, formally associated with the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) programme.
The scheme has a total project outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore and is designed to improve the transmission of renewable electricity within states and Union Territories. It will also support the deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
Here is everything you need to know about PM DHARA, including its meaning, budget, objectives, renewable-energy capacity, battery storage component and implementation process.
What Is PM DHARA Scheme?
PM DHARA stands for PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access.
The initiative focuses on strengthening India’s Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) so that electricity generated from solar, wind and other renewable sources can be transmitted efficiently to consumers.
The programme is being implemented through Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III). Its broader objective is to prepare India’s power transmission network for increasing renewable-energy generation.
The Cabinet has set a target of implementing the scheme by FY 2032-33.
PM DHARA Scheme 2026 Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | PM DHARA |
| Full form | PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access |
| Associated programme | Green Energy Corridor Phase-III |
| Total project outlay | ₹1,86,405 crore |
| Renewable energy evacuation capacity | Up to 135 GW |
| Battery storage | 50 GWh |
| Intra-State transmission allocation | ₹1,36,378 crore |
| Battery Energy Storage Systems allocation | ₹50,000 crore |
| Central Financial Support | ₹54,082 crore |
| Implementation target | FY 2032-33 |
| Implementing agencies | State Transmission Utilities |
| Greenfield projects | Tariff Based Competitive Bidding |
| Brownfield projects | Cost Plus Basis |
The figures above are based on the Cabinet decision and official government information released on September 30, 2026.
PM DHARA Scheme Budget
The total financial outlay of PM DHARA is ₹1,86,405 crore.
A major portion of this amount will be used to improve intra-state electricity transmission infrastructure.
The allocation includes:
- ₹1,36,378 crore for development of Intra-State Transmission Systems under GEC-III.
- ₹50,000 crore for deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
- ₹54,082 crore as Central Financial Support.
The Central Financial Assistance is intended to help offset intra-state transmission charges and support lower power costs.
PM DHARA Will Support 135 GW Renewable Energy
One of the major objectives of PM DHARA is to create transmission infrastructure capable of evacuating up to 135 GW of renewable energy across states and Union Territories.
This is important because adding solar and wind generation capacity alone is not enough. The electricity produced at renewable-energy projects must also be transported through a reliable transmission network to locations where it is needed.
The new transmission infrastructure under the scheme is therefore intended to improve the movement of renewable electricity within states and strengthen grid integration.
50 GWh Battery Storage Under PM DHARA
PM DHARA also includes a 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) component.
Battery storage can help manage some of the challenges associated with renewable energy. Solar generation, for example, depends on sunlight, while wind generation can change according to weather conditions.
The battery systems supported under the programme can help address:
- Renewable-energy intermittency
- Transmission congestion
- Peak-hour curtailment
- Electricity demand during non-solar hours
- Grid flexibility requirements
The government has provided ₹50,000 crore for the 50 GWh battery-storage component.
Why Is PM DHARA Needed?
India is increasing its renewable-energy capacity as part of its long-term clean-energy strategy. This creates a parallel requirement for stronger transmission infrastructure.
A renewable-energy project can generate electricity only when the necessary transmission capacity is available to move that electricity through the grid.
Without adequate transmission capacity, renewable power may face congestion or curtailment.
PM DHARA addresses this infrastructure requirement by focusing on intra-state transmission networks and energy storage.
PM DHARA and Green Energy Corridor Phase-III
PM DHARA is closely connected with Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III).
The GEC programme is aimed at developing transmission infrastructure needed for integrating renewable energy into India’s electricity grid.
Under Phase III, the focus is on strengthening intra-state transmission systems and adding battery storage capacity.
The Cabinet-approved programme is expected to support India’s longer-term expansion of non-fossil electricity capacity. The government says the scheme will help contribute toward its target of 900 GW of installed non-fossil capacity by 2035.
How Will PM DHARA Projects Be Implemented?
The implementation process will differ according to the type of transmission project.
Greenfield Projects
New transmission projects under the Intra-State Transmission System component will be implemented through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
Under this model, selected Transmission Service Providers will build, own, operate and maintain the transmission assets.
Brownfield Projects
Existing transmission networks requiring upgrades or strengthening will be implemented on a Cost Plus Basis (CPB).
This allows existing infrastructure to be upgraded according to the requirements identified under the programme.
Who Will Implement PM DHARA?
The State Transmission Utilities (STUs) will serve as the overall implementing agencies for the intra-state transmission component.
Transmission Service Providers will participate in greenfield projects through the competitive-bidding mechanism and will follow the Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.
PM DHARA Benefits
The scheme is primarily an infrastructure and energy-sector programme rather than a direct cash-benefit scheme for individual citizens.
Its expected benefits include:
Better Renewable Energy Integration
Stronger transmission networks can make it easier to integrate electricity generated from renewable sources into the grid.
Improved Power Evacuation
The scheme is designed to facilitate evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable power.
Greater Grid Flexibility
The 50 GWh battery storage component can provide additional flexibility when renewable generation fluctuates.
Support for Energy Security
Improved transmission infrastructure can strengthen the country’s ability to manage growing electricity demand and renewable generation.
Employment Opportunities
The government expects the programme to generate direct and indirect employment in areas such as power infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, battery storage, operation and maintenance.
Is PM DHARA a Direct Government Subsidy Scheme?
PM DHARA should not be confused with schemes that provide direct financial assistance to individual beneficiaries.
Its primary focus is power transmission infrastructure, renewable-energy integration and battery storage.
The government’s financial support under the programme is directed toward the infrastructure and transmission system rather than being a direct payment made to individual households.
PM DHARA Scheme and Electricity Consumers
The scheme is expected to have an indirect relevance for electricity consumers.
According to the government, Central Financial Assistance will help offset intra-state transmission charges, with the objective of keeping power costs lower. Better transmission infrastructure can also help the electricity system handle increasing amounts of renewable generation.
However, PM DHARA is not an application-based electricity subsidy where consumers need to submit an individual form to receive a payment.
PM DHARA Scheme Implementation Timeline
The PM DHARA/GEC-III programme is targeted for implementation by FY 2032-33.
This means the infrastructure development will take place over several years rather than through a single nationwide rollout at one time.
The actual transmission projects and storage installations will depend on project identification, state-level implementation and the applicable procurement mechanism.
PM DHARA Scheme FAQs
What is PM DHARA?
PM DHARA stands for PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access. It is a major renewable-energy transmission initiative associated with Green Energy Corridor Phase-III.
What is the total cost of PM DHARA?
The total project outlay approved for the programme is ₹1,86,405 crore.
How much renewable energy will PM DHARA support?
The scheme is designed to facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across states and Union Territories.
How much battery storage is included?
PM DHARA includes deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
How much Central Financial Support has been approved?
The programme includes ₹54,082 crore in Central Financial Support.
When will PM DHARA be implemented?
The scheme is targeted for implementation by FY 2032-33.
Is PM DHARA available for individual applications?
No. PM DHARA is primarily an infrastructure programme for strengthening transmission systems and integrating renewable energy. It is not a direct-benefit scheme requiring individual citizens to apply online.
The PM DHARA Scheme 2026 represents a large-scale investment in India’s renewable-energy transmission infrastructure. With an approved outlay of ₹1.86 lakh crore, the programme combines intra-state transmission development with 50 GWh of battery storage and is designed to facilitate evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable power.
By strengthening transmission networks and adding storage capacity, the programme is intended to help India’s electricity grid accommodate a growing share of renewable energy. The scheme is targeted for implementation by FY 2032-33 and forms an important part of the country’s longer-term renewable-energy and non-fossil power infrastructure plans.