WBERC clears WBSETCL capex for JSW Salboni transmission link
Author: PPD Team Date: April 22, 2026
The West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) has granted in principle approval for capital expenditure of Rs 49,600.04 lakh, about Rs 496 crore, to West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL) for transmission schemes linked to the upcoming JSW Salboni Thermal Power Plant. The order, dated April 2, 2026, covers the first phase of evacuation infrastructure for the 1,600 MW plant, with provision for expansion to 3,200 MW.
The approved scope includes construction of an 88.10 km 400 kV Double Circuit transmission line using HTLS conductor from the JSW Salboni plant to the existing Kharagpur 400 kV Substation. It also includes two 400 kV line bays at the Kharagpur Substation to terminate the incoming lines. WBSETCL has entered into a Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with JSW Thermal Energy Limited for long term procurement of 1,492 MW. The transmission system is required to be commissioned at least three months before synchronisation of the first unit to avoid compensation liabilities under the PSA.
WBERC noted that the petition was admitted on February 23, 2026, and a public notice inviting objections was published in The Statesman and a vernacular daily on March 6, 2026. No objections or suggestions were received by the deadline of March 26, 2026. The approval has been issued under Regulation 2.8.2.3 of the WBERC (Terms and Conditions of Tariff) Regulations, 2011, which requires prior regulatory clearance for new transmission investments.
WBSETCL has indicated a project timeline of 24 months from placement of the Letter of Award (LOA), with commissioning targeted in FY 2028-29. The funding structure includes 30% equity from internal resources and 70% debt from domestic financial institutions. The approved cost includes Interest During Construction (IDC) of Rs 4,725.09 lakh. WBERC has directed WBSETCL to seek final capitalisation approval based on actual expenditure and IDC after completion.
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