REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a subsidiary of REC Limited, has invited global bids to select a Transmission Service Provider (TSP) for the ERES-47 transmission project. The project will be developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis and is aimed at strengthening the inter-state power transmission network across Bihar and West Bengal. It is also expected to improve power reliability in the Eastern Region, enhance electricity supply to Kolkata, support power evacuation from NTPC’s Nabinagar Stage-II power plant, and complete the planned 765 kV transmission ring in the region.
The Ministry of Power appointed RECPDCL as the Bid Process Coordinator for the project on March 24, 2026. Following this appointment, the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on June 9, 2026, inviting eligible domestic and international developers to participate in the competitive bidding process.
Interested bidders can purchase the RFP document until August 10, 2026, by paying a non-refundable fee of Rs 5 lakh or USD 7,000, along with the applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST). The last date for submitting queries or seeking clarifications related to the bidding process was June 29, 2026. Final bids are required to be submitted by August 11, 2026, at 3:00 pm IST, while the technical bids will be opened on the same day at 3:30 pm IST. According to the project schedule, commercial operations are expected to begin by March 31, 2029.
The transmission project includes the construction of several major power infrastructure facilities. A new 765/400/220 kV substation will be established at Nawada in Bihar, while a new 765 kV switching station will be developed at Durgapur in West Bengal. The scope also includes the Line-In-Line-Out (LILO) of the existing Gaya–Ballia 765 kV transmission line at Nawada. In addition, developers will construct new 765 kV double-circuit transmission lines connecting Nawada to Durgapur and Durgapur to Jeerat. Extension works at the existing Jeerat substation are also part of the project.
The selected Transmission Service Provider will be responsible for the complete execution of the project, including financing, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. The developer will also be required to ensure compliance with all technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
To participate in the bidding process, companies must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) or Bid Bond worth Rs 55.32 crore. This can be provided through a bank guarantee, insurance surety bond, or another approved payment instrument. After the Letter of Intent is issued, the successful bidder must furnish a Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs 138.30 crore within ten days. This guarantee will remain valid until three months after the project’s commercial operation date.
The successful bidder will acquire 100 percent equity ownership of the project’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and will own, operate, and maintain the transmission assets for a concession period of 35 years. At the end of the concession period, the transmission system will be transferred to the Central Transmission Utility without any cost. The bidding process will be conducted electronically through the MSTC platform, where the final selection will be made using an e-reverse auction based on the lowest transmission charges quoted by eligible bidders.
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