The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has published the Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) Amendment Regulations, 2025. These regulations, effective upon their publication on October 9, 2025, primarily amend and substitute the detailed guidelines for Right-of-Way (RoW) widths for power transmission lines.
The amendment follows a public notice published on May 1, 2025, inviting and considering objections and suggestions from the public.
Key Regulatory Changes
1. Flexibility and Approval for RoW Deviation (Regulation 2)
A crucial change is introduced to allow flexibility in transmission line design using new technology, provided the CEA grants approval:
- Approval for Deviation: If the considered RoW values deviate from the specified values in Schedule-VII due to changes in conductor configuration, conductor type, or the use of new technological options (such as High-Temperature Low-Sag conductors), the deviation must be referred to the Authority for approval before implementation.
- Separate Order: The Authority will issue a separate order for each such case after due consideration.
2. Substitution of Right-of-Way Schedule (Regulation 3)
The entire Schedule-VII, which sets the mandatory RoW widths, is substituted with four new tables. These tables provide specific RoW widths based on Voltage Level, Configuration, Conductor Type, Terrain, and Structure Type, ensuring standardized planning and safety clearances.
Highlights of the New RoW Tables (Schedule-VII)
The new tables provide detailed RoW widths for different transmission scenarios:
| Voltage Level (kV) | Configuration/Conductor | Terrain Type | Structure Type | RoW Width (m) (Examples) |
| 765 kV D/C | Vertical ACSR ZEBRA | Normal Route | Lattice Structure | 67 |
| 765 kV S/C | Horizontal ACSR BERSIMIS | Forest | Lattice Structure | 65 |
| ±800 kV HVDC | Horizontal ACSR Lapwing | Normal or Forest or Urban | Lattice Structure | 69 |
| 400 kV D/C | Vertical ACSR MOOSE | Normal Route | Lattice Structure | 46 |
| 220 kV D/C | Vertical ACSR ZEBRA | Urban Area | Pole Structure | 24 |
| 400 kV D/C | Vertical CFCC (HTLS) | Normal Route | Pole Structure | 34 |
The new Schedule includes specific tables for:
- Table 1: Lattice Structures with ACSR conductor (covering 66 kV up to ±800 kV HVDC).
- Table 2: Pole Structures with ACSR conductor.
- Table 3: Pole Structures with HTLS (High-Temperature Low-Sag) conductors (covering 132 kV to 400 kV).
- Table 4: Lattice Tower Structures with HTLS conductors (covering 66 kV to 400 kV).
Design Considerations
The CEA mandates that during the process of determining RoW, all electrical clearances and safety parameters must be maintained, including minimum live metal clearance, ground clearance, surface gradient, Corona Loss, Radio Interference Voltage (RIV), Audible Noise, and Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure limits, as per relevant standards and CEA regulations.