Introduction
The PM DHARA Scheme 2026 has been approved by the Union Cabinet with a total project outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore. The programme is focused on strengthening India’s intra-state electricity transmission infrastructure and improving the integration of renewable energy into the power grid.
The Cabinet approved the scheme on 30 September 2026. PM DHARA stands for PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access. The programme is designed to support the transmission of renewable electricity, improve grid flexibility and facilitate the deployment of battery energy storage systems.
Unlike schemes that provide direct financial assistance to individual citizens, PM DHARA is an energy infrastructure programme. Therefore, there is no general public application form through which individuals can claim the ₹1.86 lakh crore allocation.
What Is PM DHARA Scheme 2026?
PM DHARA is a major renewable-energy transmission initiative approved by the Government of India. It aims to strengthen the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) so that renewable electricity generated in different parts of India can be transmitted more effectively.
The scheme is targeted for implementation by FY 2032-33. It is also associated with the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) programme. The government expects the upgraded transmission network to support the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across States and Union Territories.
PM DHARA Scheme 2026: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
| Scheme Name | PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access |
| Short Name | PM DHARA |
| Approval Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Total Project Outlay | ₹1,86,405 crore |
| Renewable Energy Evacuation | Up to 135 GW |
| Battery Storage | 50 GWh BESS |
| Target Period | FY 2032-33 |
| Main Focus | Intra-State Transmission System |
| Central Financial Assistance | ₹54,082 crore |
| Related Programme | Green Energy Corridor Phase-III |
The figures above are based on the government announcement and official PIB information.
PM DHARA Scheme Budget and Funding
The total project outlay under PM DHARA is ₹1,86,405 crore. Of this, ₹1,36,378 crore has been allocated for development of intra-state transmission systems under GEC-III.
Another ₹50,000 crore has been provided for 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The scheme includes total Central Financial Assistance of ₹54,082 crore.
The central support is intended to help reduce transmission-related costs and support the development of renewable-energy infrastructure.
What Is the Main Objective of PM DHARA?
The central objective of PM DHARA is to make India’s electricity transmission network better prepared for increasing renewable-energy generation.
Solar and wind power generation can vary depending on weather and time of day. This creates challenges for grid management. A stronger transmission network and additional battery storage can help manage these variations more effectively.
The scheme therefore focuses on:
- Strengthening intra-state transmission networks
- Evacuating up to 135 GW of renewable electricity
- Deploying 50 GWh of battery energy storage
- Improving grid flexibility
- Addressing transmission congestion
- Supporting renewable-energy integration
- Preparing the electricity network for higher non-fossil capacity
The government has also linked the initiative with its longer-term goal of reaching 900 GW of installed non-fossil capacity by 2035.
PM DHARA Scheme Eligibility
A common search query is “PM DHARA Scheme eligibility”, but it is important to understand the nature of this programme.
PM DHARA is not a conventional citizen welfare scheme where individuals submit an online application to receive a fixed financial benefit. The programme is intended for the development of electricity transmission infrastructure and battery storage systems.
According to the official announcement, State Transmission Utilities will have a key role in implementation. Greenfield transmission projects under the InSTS component will be implemented through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route, while brownfield upgrades and network-strengthening works will follow a cost-plus basis.
Therefore, readers should be cautious of websites claiming that individuals can directly apply online for PM DHARA financial assistance.
PM DHARA and Battery Energy Storage Systems
One of the important components of the scheme is the planned deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Battery storage can help the electricity system manage periods when renewable generation changes or when demand rises. The official announcement says the storage component is intended to address issues including intermittency, congestion, peak-hour curtailment and electricity demand during non-solar hours.
This makes battery storage an important part of the broader renewable-energy transmission strategy.
PM DHARA Scheme Implementation
The scheme will involve State Transmission Utilities and transmission service providers.
For greenfield projects, the government has specified the TBCB mechanism. Transmission service providers will work under a Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model. Brownfield upgrades and network-strengthening projects will follow a cost-plus approach.
Important PM DHARA Dates and Official Information
| Information | Details |
| Cabinet Approval | 30 September 2026 |
| Implementation Target | FY 2032-33 |
| Official Announcement | Press Information Bureau |
| Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy |
| Main Infrastructure Target | Up to 135 GW renewable-energy evacuation |
For the latest official information, readers should check the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) rather than relying on unofficial application websites.
Is There a PM DHARA Online Application Form?
At present, PM DHARA should not be treated as a direct citizen application scheme. The ₹1.86 lakh crore figure represents the overall project outlay for renewable-energy transmission and battery-storage infrastructure.
Therefore, readers should not assume that an individual can apply online to receive a portion of this amount.
Any future tenders, project notifications or implementation-related opportunities should be verified through the concerned government departments and official portals.
Why PM DHARA Matters for Renewable Energy
India’s renewable-energy capacity is expanding, but generating electricity is only one part of the power system. That electricity also needs to be transmitted from generation locations to areas where it is required.
PM DHARA is intended to address this infrastructure requirement by strengthening transmission systems and adding battery storage. The government says the programme will contribute to long-term energy security and support the country’s non-fossil energy goals.
The programme may also create demand across areas such as power transmission, battery storage, grid management, engineering, construction and maintenance as projects are implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PM DHARA Scheme 2026?
PM DHARA is a renewable-energy transmission and battery-storage infrastructure programme approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2026.
What is the PM DHARA Scheme amount?
The total project outlay is ₹1,86,405 crore.
How much renewable energy will PM DHARA support?
The scheme aims to facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
What is the battery storage target under PM DHARA?
The programme provides for 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Can individuals apply for PM DHARA?
PM DHARA is not presented as a direct citizen-benefit application scheme. Its primary focus is electricity transmission infrastructure and battery storage.
When was PM DHARA approved?
The Union Cabinet approved PM DHARA on 30 September 2026.
Official PM DHARA Scheme Source
For authentic updates, readers should rely on official government sources:
Press Information Bureau (PIB): Official Cabinet announcement on PM DHARA.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): The ministry responsible for renewable-energy policy and related programmes.
As implementation progresses, project-specific notifications, tenders and other official updates may provide additional information. Readers should verify such details through government portals before acting on any third-party information.
