The Union Cabinet on September 30 approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, a Rs 1,86,405 crore push to evacuate up to 135 GW of renewable power across states and Union Territories. The decision was announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the cabinet meeting.

The scheme, named “PM Dhara” — Developing Harmonised and Accelerated Renewable Energy Access — splits the outlay into Rs 1,36,378 crore for intra-state transmission infrastructure and Rs 50,000 crore for 50 GWh of battery energy storage systems. The Centre will provide financial support of Rs 54,082 crore, with completion targeted for FY2032-33.

Officials said the corridor will connect renewable-rich regions to demand centres, cutting curtailment of solar and wind power and improving grid stability. The battery storage component is meant to handle the intermittency of renewables as their share of generation rises.

The project is expected to generate large-scale employment in manufacturing, construction and energy storage, and to contribute to India’s goal of 900 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2035.