11,000+ transmission towers inspected; over 1.5 lakh technical defects identified and rectified through drone-based monitoring
BENGALURU, June 26, 2026: In a major step towards digital modernization of Karnataka’s power transmission network, the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has successfully deployed advanced drone technology for the inspection of High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission corridors across the state. The initiative has enabled the inspection of more than 11,000 transmission towers, identification and rectification of over 1.5 lakh technical defects, and a remarkable 85 percent reduction in transmission-related power outages.
The drone-based inspection has significantly enhanced both operational efficiency and workforce safety by reducing the need for manual inspections in difficult terrain and high-risk locations. The technology is being used across KPTCL’s transmission network to improve asset monitoring, predictive maintenance, and grid reliability.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging systems, and LiDAR sensors, the drones can conduct close-range inspections of transmission towers, conductors, and insulators passing through dense forests, hilly regions, and densely populated urban areas. The technology enables engineers to detect faults with a level of precision that is difficult to achieve through conventional methods.
Thermal imaging cameras are capable of identifying abnormal heat signatures and hotspots caused by loose electrical connections or equipment deterioration, allowing preventive action before failures occur. The data collected through drone surveys is being integrated into KPTCL’s digital asset management ecosystem and will eventually be linked to the corporation’s upcoming Digital Twin Platform, enabling real-time monitoring of the transmission network from the central control room at the new Energy Bhavan.
Data-Driven Asset Management Delivering Results
The deployment of drone technology has transformed transmission line maintenance from a reactive approach to a predictive, data-driven model.
Key achievements of the initiative include:
- 85% reduction in power outages, with outage incidents dropping from 519 to just 73 across inspected corridors.
- More than 3,370 km of transmission lines inspected, including over 2,500 km of 220 kV lines and 843 km of 400 kV corridors.
- 11,000+ transmission towers and spans assessed through detailed physical and digital inspections.
- Over 1,50,000 defects identified and digitally tracked, enabling engineers to monitor corrective actions in real time through web-based platforms and mobile applications.
- Smart maintenance planning, with more than 200 critical defects rectified through just five coordinated batch maintenance windows, minimizing disruptions and improving operational efficiency.
The data architecture developed under the project is also designed for future integration with KPTCL’s GIS and ERP platforms, creating a unified digital framework for transmission asset management.
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“Inspecting Karnataka’s vast transmission network spanning nearly 45,000 kilometers through conventional methods is both time-consuming and challenging. By deploying drones equipped with thermal imaging and LiDAR technologies, we can now conduct comprehensive 360-degree inspections of transmission assets in a fraction of the time. The technology enables our engineers to detect even the smallest defects that are invisible to the naked eye. Achieving an 85 percent reduction in outages through inspection-led intervention is a major milestone in KPTCL’s digital transformation journey.”
- Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy & Tourism, Government of Karnataka*
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“Our focus is shifting from repairing faults after they occur to identifying and addressing risks before they lead to failures. This predictive maintenance model is making Karnataka’s transmission grid more resilient and reliable. By leveraging advanced technologies, we are ensuring uninterrupted power supply to farmers, industries, and consumers while simultaneously enhancing the safety of our field personnel.”
- Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Managing Director, KPTCL
