REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) established a project special purpose vehicle (SPV) named “Ratle Kiru Power Transmission Ltd” on October 23, 2024, as a wholly-owned subsidiary. This SPV will develop the ISTS scheme titled “Transmission scheme for evacuation of power from Ratle HEP (850 MW) & Kiru HEP (624 MW): Part-A” in Jammu & Kashmir.
The scheme, estimated to cost Rs 12.14 billion with a gestation period of 24 months, will provide ISTS connectivity to the Ratle and Kiru hydropower projects. It will connect to existing substations such as Kishtwar (Sterlite Power), Samba, and Kishengarh (PGCIL). A key element is the 400kV double-circuit (quad) line from Samba to Jalandhar, covering 145 km.
The bidding process, coordinated by RECPDCL under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism, is ongoing, with technical bids scheduled to open on November 29, 2024.
Complementary Scheme: Part B
The scheme also includes a complementary component, “Transmission scheme for evacuation of power from Ratle HEP (850 MW) & Kiru HEP (624 MW): Part-B,” with an estimated cost of Rs 1.96 billion. Part B involves reconductoring the 400kV Kishenpur-Kishtwar line using twin HTLS conductors and upgrading associated bays. It will be implemented by the developer of Part A on a regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) basis and completed within 24 months or alongside Part A’s commissioning.
Hydropower Project Developers
The Ratle (850 MW) and Kiru (624 MW) hydropower projects are run-of-river schemes located on the Chenab River in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir. These projects are being developed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd and Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd, joint ventures between NHPC Ltd (majority shareholder) and Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd.