PFC Consulting Limited has initiated a major competitive bidding process for the development of a large inter-state power transmission system aimed at strengthening electricity evacuation infrastructure across western India. The project, titled “Common Transmission System for evacuation of power from Lakadia (Phase-II: 7.5 GW), Jam Khambhaliya (Phase-II: 5.5 GW) and Jamnagar (Phase-I: 1 GW) – Part-C,” will help transmit large volumes of electricity from renewable energy zones in Gujarat to demand centers, including Maharashtra.
The bidding process has been launched under a tariff-based competitive bidding framework. The initiative follows a notification issued by the Government of India in February 2025, appointing PFCCL as the Bid Process Coordinator for the project. Once the bidding process is completed, the selected Transmission Service Provider (TSP) will be responsible for developing, owning, operating, and maintaining the transmission assets.
The project will be implemented on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis with a concession period of 35 years. Under this structure, the developer will design and construct the transmission infrastructure, operate and maintain it during the concession period, and eventually transfer it as per the agreement terms.
One of the major technical components of the project is the establishment of a new substation at Alephata. The proposed facility will include multiple voltage levels, including 765 kV, 400 kV, and 220 kV systems. The project will also involve the development of several high-capacity transmission lines to strengthen regional grid connectivity. Among these is the Nasik–Alephata 765 kV double-circuit transmission line, which will play an important role in carrying electricity generated from large renewable energy clusters.
According to the bid documents, the transmission system is expected to be commissioned within 36 months from the effective date of the transmission service agreement. The project is part of a broader effort to expand transmission infrastructure to support the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity in India.
The request for proposal (RFP) documents will be available to interested bidders from March 12, 2026, to May 14, 2026, between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM Indian Standard Time. Companies interested in participating must submit their bids by May 15, 2026, before 3:00 PM. The technical bids will be opened on the same day at 3:30 PM.
To participate in the bidding process, bidders must purchase the RFP documents by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹5,00,000 plus 18 percent GST, or US$7,000 plus applicable taxes. In addition, bidders are required to submit an earnest money deposit in the form of a bid bond amounting to ₹22 crore along with their technical proposal. This bond can be provided as a bank guarantee, insurance surety bond, or payment-on-order instrument.
The selected developer will also be required to provide a performance bank guarantee to ensure that all obligations under the transmission service agreement are fulfilled. The project documents indicate that the minimum capital expenditure considered for qualifying technical experience is ₹220 crore.
The selection will follow a single-stage, two-envelope bidding process. After the technical evaluation, qualified bidders will participate in an electronic reverse auction where the lowest quoted transmission charges will determine the winning bidder. The successful developer will acquire full equity ownership in a special purpose vehicle currently being incorporated to implement the transmission project.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
