The delays in project execution have led to significant challenges for power infrastructure companies and investors in Karnataka, affecting the operational efficiency of the southern grid. Various transmission lines, including the Udupi Kasargod Transmission Line (UKTL) and Goa to Tanmar Line, face prolonged delays due to land acquisition litigations, causing adverse consequences for the industry.
The ₹700 crore UKTL line, intended to boost the state’s earnings from power surplus and address electricity shortages in north Kerala, may encounter cost and time overruns. Recent court orders may offer hope, emphasizing that state governments cannot delay projects due to minor protests over land acquisition.
However, these delays prompted the government to extend project deadlines to October 2024. Despite the challenges, Karnataka’s Energy Department remains proactive, implementing various power projects successfully.