PM-DHARA Scheme 2026 – ₹1.86 Lakh Crore Renewable Energy Transmission Scheme, 135 GW Target

PM-DHARA Scheme 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved PM-DHARA (PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access) for strengthening India's intra-state power transmission system and improving the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.

The scheme provides for development of the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) along with deployment of 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It is designed to facilitate evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across States and Union Territories.

PM-DHARA Scheme 2026 – Key Details

What is the PM-DHARA Scheme?

PM-DHARA is a renewable-energy grid infrastructure initiative focused on strengthening transmission systems within States and Union Territories. The scheme is intended to help move renewable electricity from generation locations to the grid and improve the ability of the power system to manage variable renewable generation.

The scheme combines transmission infrastructure development with Battery Energy Storage Systems to improve grid flexibility and renewable-energy integration.

₹1.86 Lakh Crore Investment

The total project outlay of PM-DHARA is ₹1,86,405 crore. Of this amount, ₹1,36,378 crore is allocated for development of the Intra-State Transmission System under Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, while ₹50,000 crore is allocated for 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The scheme includes ₹54,082 crore of Central Financial Assistance (CFA). The government states that this assistance will help reduce the transmission cost burden and support renewable-energy integration.

135 GW Renewable Energy Evacuation Target

One of the major objectives of PM-DHARA is to strengthen intra-state transmission infrastructure so that up to 135 GW of renewable energy can be evacuated across States and Union Territories.

This transmission capacity is intended to support the increasing contribution of solar, wind and other renewable sources to India's electricity system.

50 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems

PM-DHARA also provides for deployment of 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems. These storage systems may be located at renewable-energy developer/generator ends or other locations considered important for grid flexibility.

According to the government, the storage component is intended to help address renewable-energy intermittency, transmission congestion, peak-hour curtailment and electricity demand during non-solar hours.

How Will PM-DHARA Be Implemented?

The Intra-State Transmission System component will use different implementation approaches for greenfield and brownfield works.

• Greenfield projects: To be implemented through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode.
• Brownfield upgrades and network strengthening: To be undertaken on a Cost-Plus Basis (CPB).
• State Transmission Utilities: Will be the main implementing agencies for the transmission component.
• Transmission Service Providers: Under TBCB, TSPs will work on a Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.

Benefits of PM-DHARA

• Strengthening of intra-state electricity transmission networks.
• Improved integration of renewable energy into the power grid.
• Support for evacuation of up to 135 GW renewable energy.
• Deployment of 50 GWh battery energy storage capacity.
• Improved grid flexibility during periods of variable renewable generation.
• Support for managing peak-hour curtailment and non-solar-hour demand.
• Reduction in transmission cost burden through Central Financial Assistance.
• Potential employment opportunities in power, construction, manufacturing, operation and maintenance.
• Support for India's longer-term energy security and non-fossil energy objectives.

Who Will Benefit From PM-DHARA?

PM-DHARA is primarily an infrastructure and grid-development scheme rather than a direct household cash-benefit scheme. Its direct implementation beneficiaries include State Transmission Utilities, transmission service providers and renewable-energy ecosystem participants.

The broader benefits are expected to extend to electricity consumers through improved renewable-energy integration, grid flexibility and transmission infrastructure.

PM-DHARA and India's Renewable Energy Target

The government has stated that PM-DHARA will support the broader objective of achieving 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035. By improving transmission infrastructure and energy storage, the scheme is intended to support the increasing share of renewable electricity in the national power system.

Is PM-DHARA an Online Application Scheme?

No. PM-DHARA is a transmission and renewable-energy infrastructure scheme and is not a direct public application scheme such as a household subsidy or individual scholarship. The official Cabinet announcement describes implementation through State Transmission Utilities and transmission-sector mechanisms.

Therefore, citizens should be cautious about websites claiming that individuals can directly apply online for a PM-DHARA subsidy or cash benefit.

Official Government Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PM-DHARA?

PM-DHARA stands for PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access. It is an infrastructure initiative for strengthening intra-state transmission systems and integrating renewable energy with battery storage.

What is the total cost of PM-DHARA?

The total project outlay is ₹1,86,405 crore.

How much renewable energy can PM-DHARA evacuate?

The scheme is designed to enable evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across States and Union Territories.

How much battery storage is planned?

The scheme provides for 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.

When is PM-DHARA targeted for completion?

The scheme is targeted to be set up by FY 2032-33.

Can citizens apply directly for PM-DHARA?

No. PM-DHARA is an infrastructure and transmission scheme, not a direct individual application or cash-benefit scheme.