Author: Power Peak Digest Team Pub Date: December 4, 2024

The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) recently approved the Eastern Region Expansion Scheme-44 (ERES-44), estimated to cost Rs 3.85 billion, to be executed by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM). 

The project will modernize the ageing 220 kV transmission network in the Eastern region, including cross-border lines with Bhutan. 

It involves replacing existing conductors with High-Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) conductors, capable of handling 1250 A current, across the inter-state transmission system (ISTS). Key stretches covered under the project include:

  1. Alipurduar (POWERGRID) – Falakata (WBSETCL): 54 circuit kilometers (ckm)
  2. Falakata (WBSETCL) – Birpara (POWERGRID): 54 ckm
  3. Birpara (POWERGRID) – Binaguri (POWERGRID): 160 ckm
  4. Binaguri (POWERGRID) – Siliguri (POWERGRID): 12 ckm
  5. Siliguri (POWERGRID) – Kishanganj (POWERGRID): 216 ckm
  6. Kishanganj (POWERGRID) – Dalkhola (POWERGRID): 62 ckm
  7. Dalkhola (POWERGRID) – Gazole (WBSETCL): 195 ckm
  8. Gazole (WBSETCL) – Malda (POWERGRID): 33 ckm

The scheme also includes the replacement of wave traps and associated bay equipment at several substations, ensuring compatibility with the upgraded conductors. Additionally, Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) will be installed along the Siliguri-Kishanganj line for improved communication, spanning 108 km.

The intra-state portions of the transmission lines, owned by the West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL), will also be reconductored. These sections include:

  • Alipurduar–Falakata: 4 km
  • Birpara–Falakata: 4 km
  • Dalkhola–Gazole: 2 km
  • Gazole–Malda: 2 km

WBSETCL will handle these upgrades to match the completion timeframe of the ISTS portion.

The implementation timeframe is set at 18 months, with a target of completing the project within 15 months on a best-effort basis.

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