CPRI Proposes to Establish UHV Testing Infrastructure Across India
Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), national laboratory for electrical power research and testing, has proposed the establishment of testing facilities to support Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) power transmission systems across the country. These new facilities are designed to cater to transmission systems up to 1,200 KV, significantly enhancing the nation’s technical capability in this domain.
CPRI’s Proposed Investments for UHV Testing Facilities
CPRI’s proposal includes a Rs. 1,425 crore synthetic test facility to be developed at its High Power Laboratory in Bengaluru. In addition, a testing facility for 1,200 KV transmission system equipment is planned at the CPRI unit in Hyderabad, with an investment of Rs. 500 crore. The institute has also proposed the development of a 1,200-KV double-circuit tower testing station in Nagpur, estimated to cost Rs. 450 crore.
Together, the aforementioned proposed facilities represent a total investment of Rs. 2,375 crore. Earlier, CPRI had estimated the project cost at Rs. 1,924.67 crore, but this figure was later revised to approximately Rs. 2,375 crore in October 2025.
CPRI’s expansion targets to make India self-reliant in Ultra-High Voltage testing infrastructure. These facilities will be integrated with the country’s existing power transmission infrastructure. The scale of investment reflects the importance of building a UHV testing ecosystem in India.
The proposal was first initiated in September 2025 following discussions with the Union Power Ministry, and it was recently taken up for review during 34th meeting of the National Committee on Transmission (NCT) held on 10th November 2025.
Existing CPRI Facilities Across India
CPRI already operates several specialized testing centres across the country. The institute’s Bhopal unit houses facilities for switchgear and transformer testing, while the Hyderabad unit is a hub for UHV research. The institute also manages a thermal research centre in Nagpur, a regional testing laboratory for Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) cables in Noida, and testing facilities for transformers and meters in Nashik.
Other Major Testing Institutes: ERDA’s role in India’s power sector
Alongside CPRI, Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA) also operates multiple testing facilities in India. ERDA is an Indian organization serving the electrical and power industries. The association primarily offers testing, inspection, Research & Development (R&D), and consultancy services to ensure electrical equipment meets high quality and safety standards.
ERDA has two major testing sites in Gujarat. One is dedicated to general electrical testing and (R&D), while the other is a short-circuit facility designed for high-power equipment testing including transformers and switchgear.
