In 2014, rural areas received an average electricity supply of just 12.5 hours per day, which has now increased to an impressive 22.6 hours in 2025.
India’s power sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government’s focus on accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency has led to significant improvements in rural and urban electrification, transmission infrastructure, renewable energy expansion, and energy efficiency. This research-based article explores the key advancements in India’s power sector, backed by data and policy innovations.
Power Accessibility and Focus on Tribal and Border Areas
One of the major achievements of the Modi government is the extensive electrification of rural and urban areas. In 2014, rural areas received an average electricity supply of just 12.5 hours per day, which has now increased to an impressive 22.6 hours in 2025. Similarly, urban areas enjoy 23.4 hours of electricity supply in 2025 compared to previous years. This progress has been driven by flagship initiatives such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), which ensured last-mile connectivity. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PVTG) has played a crucial role in providing electricity to particularly vulnerable tribal groups, ensuring inclusivity in India’s development story.
Fossil and Non-Fossil Power Generation: A Sustainable Future
The Modi government has taken a balanced approach towards increasing power generation while transitioning towards a cleaner energy mix. Fossil-based power capacity increased significantly from 168 GW in 2014 to 246 GW in January 2025, marking a 46% growth. However, the most remarkable achievement has been the 180% rise in non-fossil power capacity, which surged from 80 GW in 2014 to approximately 220 GW in 2025. This aligns with India’s commitment to global climate goals and its ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
Transmission Growth: Strengthening the Power Network
A robust transmission network is the backbone of a reliable power supply. India’s transmission infrastructure has witnessed an exponential expansion under the Modi government. The total transmission network length increased from 2.91 lakh circuit kilometers (ckm) in 2014 to 4.92 lakh ckm in 2025, ensuring seamless power distribution across states.
| Year | Transmission Network (lakh ckm) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2.91 |
| 2024 | 4.85 |
| 2025 | 4.92 |
India as a Net Power Exporter
For the first time, India has transitioned from being a net power importer in 2014 to a net power exporter by 2025. In 2014, India imported 5,555 MU of power while exporting only 2,288 MU, making it a net importer with a deficit of 3,267 MU. However, in 2025, India’s power exports reached 9,980 MU, surpassing imports, and establishing the nation as a net exporter with a surplus of 1,625 MU.
| Year | Power Import (MU) | Power Export (MU) | Net Export (MU) |
| 2014 | 5,555 | 2,288 | -3,267 (Importing Nation) |
| 2024 | 3,863 | 8,576 | +4,713 (Exporting Nation) |
| 2025 | 8,365 | 9,980 | +1,625 (Exporting Nation) |
Reduction in Power Shortage: Bridging the Gap
Energy shortages have drastically reduced under the Modi government’s strategic interventions. The shortage gap, which stood at 4.2% in 2014, has now plummeted to a mere 0.1% in 2025, ensuring a near-continuous power supply for consumers.
DISCOM Reforms: AT&C Loss Reduction
A critical challenge in India’s power sector has been Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, which have historically burdened power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Through initiatives like the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) and structural reforms, AT&C losses have declined from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025, with a further reduction target of 10% by 2030. These reforms have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced financial losses, and improved consumer services.
Smart Meter Implementation: Enhancing Energy Management
Smart meters have revolutionized energy consumption and billing accuracy. Under the Modi government’s leadership, 2.13 crore smart meters have already been installed, with an ambitious target of 19.8 crore smart meters, 52.5 lakh Distribution Transformer Meters (DTRs), and 2.1 lakh feeder meters to be deployed nationwide. This move is expected to significantly curb power theft and improve revenue collection.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction: A Greener Future
The government’s energy efficiency initiatives have led to an annual energy savings of 53 MTOE (Million Tons of Oil Equivalent) in 2024, translating into 321 million tons of CO2 emissions reduction. Programs such as Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT), Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA), and Sustainable Building Codes have played pivotal roles in reducing India’s carbon footprint while ensuring cost savings for consumers.
Promoting Electric Vehicles: A Vision for Sustainable Mobility
Recognizing the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, the Modi government has set an ambitious target to establish 1 lakh EV charging stations by 2030. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has provided incentives for EV adoption, accelerating the transition towards a sustainable transport ecosystem.
Conclusion: Powering a Self-Reliant India
The last decade has witnessed unprecedented progress in India’s power sector, driven by policy reforms, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainability. From expanding electrification and strengthening transmission networks to increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing power shortages, the Modi government has successfully positioned India as a global leader in the energy domain. With continued focus on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, India is on track to achieve energy security, universal access, and a cleaner future.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, the vision of ‘24×7 Power for All’ is no longer a distant dream but a reality shaping India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
