Karnataka is standing at a critical energy crossroads. Driven by rapid industrialization and agricultural modernization, the state’s peak power demand is set to nearly double in the next decade. While Karnataka boasts an impressive 19.6 GW of clean energy potential, severe grid congestion frequently chokes the flow of electricity. This bottleneck comes at a critical time, as the state's rapid growth has driven peak power demand up by 6.4% annually, hitting a massive 18,395 MW in 2024-25. 

 At this critical turning point, the Hampapura transmission project emerges as a true game-changer. As a vital, 40-year infrastructure asset, it steps in to bridge the gap between the state's vast green energy generation and the people who need it most.  By establishing a robust dual 400 kV infeed and multiple 220 kV evacuation paths, the Hampapura project eliminates single-point failures to guarantee a 24x7, uncompromised power supply. This reliable grid serves as the ultimate catalyst for Karnataka's ambitious ₹7.5 lakh crore investment push That unlocks the state's target of 12% manufacturing growth and the creation of 20 lakh new jobs by 2030. 

The project effectively transforms the state into plug-and-play industrial destinations ready for data centers, EV charging networks, and smart clusters. Crucially, it provides a massive boost to MSMEs by eliminating their heavy reliance on expensive diesel backups, which currently consume up to 35% of their operating costs. 

Beyond the factories, the project acts as a lifeline for rural economies, anchoring a target of 4.5% annual agricultural growth. With a stable, high-capacity power supply, local farmers can transition to modern industrial farming and efficient automated irrigation. Crucially, continuous electricity secures the region's post-harvest cold chains, directly preventing the 15% to 20% crop losses that currently plague local growers. This stabilizes rural incomes and fosters resilient, high-yield agribusiness ecosystems. 

Finally, the project drives large-scale environmental progress. By smoothly evacuating solar and wind energy from North Karnataka’s renewable zones down to southern load centers, the project prevents clean energy wastage during peak hours. This massive shift alleviates grid congestion, reduces the state's reliance on costly, high-emission thermal power, and offsets roughly 0.82 kg of CO₂ per unit of electricity evacuated. 

Ultimately, the  project is more than just wires and towers; it is the backbone of Karnataka's sustainable future, successfully uniting economic prosperity, rural stability, and aggressive grid decarbonization 

Project Details 

The project involves the establishment of a 400 kV GIS sub-station at Hampapura, Mandya District, along with six associated transmission lines, aimed at strengthening the Southern Grid, improving operational flexibility, and meeting the growing electricity demand in Karnataka, while also alleviating loading constraints on existing lines and supporting long-term grid stability. 

This Karnataka Intrastate project involves the establishment of a state-of-the-art GIS sub-station (2×500 MVA, 400/220/33 kV) and six critical transmission lines, forming a robust backbone for power evacuation and distribution across the region. 

What's being built

• 2×500 MVA, 400/220/33 kV GIS Sub-station at Hampapura, Mandya District 

• 400 kV DC Quad Moose Jagalur–Kadakola transmission line (320 km) with LILO to Hampapura Sub-station (7 km + 7 km) 

• LILO of 400 kV DC Quad Moose line to the proposed 765/400 kV CN’Halli Station (ISTS scheme) (10 km + 10 km) 

• 220 kV DC line from Hampapura to 220/66 kV Huygonahalli Sub-station (48 km) 

• 220 kV DC line from Hampapura to 220/66 kV Tubinakere Sub-station (22 km) 

• 220 kV DC line from Hampapura to proposed 220/66 kV Maddur Sub-station (31 km) 

• 220 kV DC line from Hampapura to 220/66 kV Nagamangala Sub-station (21 km)