WBERC approves Rs 1,375 crore investment for new transmission projects

The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has granted in-principle approval to two major investment proposals from the West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL), totalling Rs 1,375.39 crore. The approvals, issued in early November 2025, cover a series of new transmission schemes aimed at expanding network capacity, improving system reliability, and meeting the state’s growing electricity demand.

One set of projects, worth Rs 406.87 crore, focuses on strengthening the transmission network in key regions. It includes constructing a 132/33 kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) at Salt Lake within the existing substation premises to manage high load density and space constraints. A new 66/33/11 kV substation will be established at Colegaon in Kalimpong district to improve supply in the surrounding areas. WBSETCL will also build a 132/33 kV GIS at Bagjola in North 24 Parganas and a 220/132/33 kV GIS at Nandanpur in Bankura district, along with a new 220 kV transmission line to strengthen regional interconnections.

The second approval, amounting to Rs 968.52 crore, covers six transmission projects focused on system upgrades and network expansion. These include upgrading the Ashokenagar 132/33 kV substation to a 220/132/33 kV facility and developing a new 220/132/33 kV GIS at Dendua in Burdwan West district. Several 132 kV double-circuit lines will also be constructed to improve power flow and redundancy between key substations, including new links connecting Manikchak to Samsi and enhancing connectivity for Gazole, Beledurganagar, and Bagjola.

According to WBSETCL, these projects are critical for reducing overloading on existing infrastructure, ensuring N-1 contingency compliance, and maintaining reliable power supply across the state. The company plans to finance the schemes through a mix of 30% internal resources and 70% domestic borrowings. Most of the projects are scheduled for completion within 12 to 24 months, with commissioning targeted between 2026–27 and 2027–28.

WBERC has directed WBSETCL to submit final cost data, commissioning timelines, and performance analysis reports after project completion to ensure transparency and regulatory oversight.

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