India to set up transmission link to Sri Lanka

Colombo: The Indian Government said it plans to set up a transmission line under the sea to connect power distribution networks with Sri Lanka.

'A feasibility study is being proposed for establishing a transmission system of 1,000 MW capacity using overhead sub-marine cables between India and Sri Lanka,' Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

The system would have two High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) terminal stations at both sides of the link.

The study would facilitate estimation of capital cost based on route survey, benefits and would also examine the techno-economic feasibility of the interconnection.

The proposed interconnection is expected to enable both the countries to exchange electricity for mutual benefit through optimisation of resources and economy of scale.