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Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines) — documents, timeline & process
R1 · Pre-development approvals · ~60 days (indicative)
Government permission you must hold before installing any higher-voltage overhead line — secure it before even 1% of line work starts.
Prepare scheme details → apply on NSWS to CEA → CEA scrutiny → CEA recommendation to MoP → JS(Transmission) approval → approval letter on NSWS.
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Statutory basis & authority
| Statutory basis | Section 68(1)–(4), Electricity Act 2003; MoP OM No. 25-10/27/2023-PG dated 09-Jun-2023 (Annexure-I SOP) |
|---|---|
| Authority | Joint Secretary (Transmission), MoP — after CEA scrutiny — via NSWS portal |
| Department | Ministry of Power (via NSWS) |
| Indicative timeline | ~60 days (verify with the authority) |
| Fees | None prescribed (NSWS filing free) |
Documents required
- Request letter (scheme + line details)
- Board resolution / signatory authorization
- Connectivity grant copy (CTUIL/STU) for gencos
- Gazette notification / MoP office order (TBCB/RTM schemes)
- GIB undertaking for Rajasthan/Gujarat routes
When is this required?
- Transmission line / dedicated line core stack: line_involved: yes
Complete these first
- ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access) — Your application to CTUIL for the right to inject power into the national interstate grid — the first gate for any…
- STU connectivity & evacuation approval — For projects connecting within one state's grid — connectivity approval from the state transmission utility, with…
Solarian expert note
Incomplete applications, route changes and GIB-zone routes cause most CEA queries. Must precede ANY line construction.
Frequently asked questions
What is Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)?
Government permission you must hold before installing any higher-voltage overhead line — secure it before even 1% of line work starts.
How long does Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines) take?
Around 60 days as an indicative planning figure. Actual timelines vary by authority workload and application quality — verify with the concerned authority.
Which authority grants Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)?
Joint Secretary (Transmission), MoP — after CEA scrutiny — via NSWS portal. Department: Ministry of Power (via NSWS).
What documents are required for Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines)?
Request letter (scheme + line details); Board resolution / signatory authorization; Connectivity grant copy (CTUIL/STU) for gencos; Gazette notification / MoP office order (TBCB/RTM schemes); GIB undertaking for Rajasthan/Gujarat routes.
When is Section 68 prior approval (overhead lines) required?
line_involved: yes.
Related approvals in this phase
- ISTS connectivity & GNA (General Network Access)
- STU connectivity & evacuation approval
- Discom feasibility approval & registration
- Net-metering / interconnection agreement
See also: all approvals · glossary of terms · state roadmaps
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Indicative guidance from the RegNav knowledge base, expert-verified by Solarian. Not legal advice — always verify with the concerned authority.