Author: PPD Team Date: 06/05/2025
REC Power Distribution Company Limited (REC PDCL) has launched a bidding process to select transmission service providers (TSPs) for two major transmission projects in Karnataka. The bids were invited on April 30, 2025, through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) on a build, own, operate, and transfer (BOOT) basis. The last date to submit bids is July 4, 2025.
The projects involve establishing 400 kV substations and associated transmission lines at Mekhali in Belagavi district and Hampapura in Mandya district. The Government of Karnataka has appointed REC PDCL as the bid process coordinator.
Scope of work: Mekhali substation, Belagavi
The Mekhali project includes setting up a 2×500 MVA, 400/220/33 kV air-insulated (AIS) substation in Raibag Taluk. It will involve:
- Two 500 MVA ICTs and supporting ICT bays
- Two 125 MVAR, 420 kV bus reactors
- Four 400 kV line bays for DC lines from Yalwar and Dhoni
- Two 63 MVAr switchable line reactors
- Ten 220 kV line bays and two bus coupler bays
- Future expansion space for additional ICTs, bays, and reactors
The transmission network includes multiple 400 kV and 220 kV double circuit (DC) lines. These will connect Mekhali to Yalwar, Dhoni, Kudachi, Mahalingpur, AEQUS (Hathargi), and Chikkodi–Mugalkhod. Termination bays will be provided at each connection point.
Scope of work: Hampapura substation, Mandya
The Hampapura project involves a 2×500 MVA, 400/220/33 kV gas-insulated (GIS) substation in Mandya Taluk. The setup includes:
- Two ICTs, two ICT bays, and four 400 kV line bays
- Two 125 MVAR bus reactors
- Eight 220 kV line bays and supporting infrastructure
The project includes LILO (Line-In Line-Out) of an existing 400 kV DC line from Jagalur to Kadakola. Additional 220 kV DC lines will connect Hampapura to Huygonahalli, Tubinakere, Maddur, and Nagamangala substations.
These projects are expected to strengthen Karnataka’s transmission network and improve power supply in the region.