Power Ministry clears three inter-state transmission schemes under TBCB

Ministry of Power (MoP) has approved three inter-state transmission projects to be implemented through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route. The schemes target network strengthening across Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh, aligned with regional demand and generation growth.

The approvals follow recommendations from the 38th meeting of the National Committee on Transmission (NCT). The notification has been issued under sub-para 3.2 of Para 3 of the guidelines framed under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Western region expansion linked to Satara PSP

The scheme titled ‘Network Expansion Scheme in Western Region to cater to pumped storage potential near Satara (up to 4500 MW)- Part A’ has been divided into two phases.

Phase-I, with a capacity of 1,800 MW, includes upgrading the Kolhapur (PG) substation to 765 kV, installation of 2×1,500 MVA, 765/400 kV interconnecting transformers (ICTs) and 2×330 MVAR bus reactors. A new 765/400 kV substation at Satara will be developed with 3×1,500 MVA ICTs and associated reactors. The plan also includes loop-in loop-out (LILO) of the Pune-III–Pune (East) 765 kV double-circuit line at Satara over 65 km.

Phase-II will add 2,700 MW, taking the total to 4,500 MW. It includes adding a fourth 1,500 MVA ICT at Satara, construction of a 150 km 765 kV double-circuit line between Kolhapur (PG) and Satara, and installation of switchable line reactors at Satara. The target timelines are March 31, 2029 for Phase-I and December 31, 2029 for Phase-II, subject to minimum implementation periods of 30 and 36 months.

PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) has been appointed as the bid process coordinator (BPC).

ERES-47 Nawada–Durgapur–Jeerat corridor

The second scheme, ‘ERES-47: Nawada–Durgapur–Jeerat (New) 765 kV corridor’, includes a new 765/400/220 kV substation at Nawada in Bihar and a 765 kV switching station at Durgapur in West Bengal, with provision for future expansion.

The scope covers ICTs, bus reactors, and switchable line reactors, along with LILO of the Gaya–Ballia 765 kV single-circuit line at Nawada over 82 km each for loop-in and loop-out. It also includes a 258 km double-circuit line from Nawada to Durgapur (New) and a 152 km line from Durgapur (New) to Jeerat (New). The scheduled completion date is March 31, 2029.

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) will act as the BPC.

Transmission system for Sunni Dam and Luhri Stage I HEP

The third scheme, ‘Transmission system for evacuation of power from Sunni Dam HEP and Luhri Stage I HEP’, is aligned with hydro project timelines, with an implementation target of October 15, 2029.

It includes a 10×105 MVA, 400/220 kV Nange pooling station (GIS) with bus reactors and a 50 km double-circuit line from Nange to Koldam. The scope also includes bay extensions at Koldam and Ropar, and reconfiguration of the Koldam–Ropar/Ludhiana 400 kV double-circuit line to establish a continuous Nange–Ropar link.

RECPDCL will serve as the BPC for this scheme.

RoW optimisation measures

The notification outlines standard provisions for right of way (RoW) optimisation. It directs BPCs to reduce corridor width in line with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report dated September 24, 2024.

It specifies the use of monopole structures, insulated cross arms and similar measures in urban, semi-urban and forest areas, with monopoles to be deployed where constraints are expected. Route alignment is to be finalised after validation on the PM Gati Shakti portal and field survey.

The featured photograph is for representation only.