New 400 kV line to connect JSW’s Salboni plant by 2028-29
The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has granted in-principle approval to West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL) for a capital expenditure of Rs 332.94 crore for the second phase of a transmission scheme associated with the upcoming JSW Thermal Power Plant at Salboni in West Medinipur district.
The project forms part of the evacuation infrastructure for the 2×800 MW thermal power plant being developed by JSW Thermal Energy Limited (JTEL), with the transmission system designed to accommodate future capacity expansion of up to 3,200 MW.
Project scope
The approved scheme involves the construction of a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line using twin High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors. It also includes a single-circuit loop-in loop-out (LILO) of the New PPSP–Arambag 400 kV double-circuit transmission line at the Salboni power plant.
The scope comprises approximately 1.8 km of single-circuit overhead transmission line and around 68 km of double-circuit line.
According to the Commission’s order, the project is scheduled for completion within three years and is expected to be commissioned during 2028-29.
Evacuation plan
The transmission scheme constitutes the second phase of the evacuation system for the Salboni project. WBSETCL is already implementing the first phase, comprising the JSW–Kharagpur 400 kV double-circuit transmission line.
WBERC noted that timely completion of the transmission infrastructure is critical to align with the commissioning schedule of the generating units and to avoid potential liabilities under the power supply agreement associated with the project.
In January 2026, the Commission had approved implementation of the scheme under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) instead of the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route, citing the need for expeditious execution.
Financing and observations
The total project cost of Rs 332.94 crore includes interest during construction and supervision charges. WBSETCL has proposed to finance the project through a debt-equity ratio of 70:30, with equity to be funded through internal accruals and debt to be raised from domestic financial institutions with a repayment tenure of 12 years.
The Commission observed that, in addition to facilitating power evacuation from the JSW thermal project, the transmission line is expected to strengthen the state transmission network and improve reliability of supply to downstream substations.
It further noted that the project could contribute to broader socio-economic development in the region through improved electricity infrastructure.
Regulatory directions
No objections or comments were received during the public consultation process, which concluded on June 16, 2026.
While granting approval, WBERC directed WBSETCL to seek separate approval for the actual project cost after capitalization. The utility has also been instructed to ensure compliance with applicable metering requirements and establish real-time data display facilities before energization of the transmission system.
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