IndiGrid is set to win the interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme relating to evacuation from hydropower projects in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, for which bidder selection is taking place through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
It is reliably learnt that bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has recently issued the letter of intent for this ISTS-TBCB scheme to IndiGrid (IndiGrid Infrastructure Trust, formerly India Grid Trust). [See T&D India story dated January 22, 2025]
IndiGrid was qualified for opening of initial price bids, alongside three other contenders – all seasoned players – Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) and Sterlite Power (now known as Resonia). Details on IndiGrid’s winning tariff are awaited.
The Ratle-Kiru ISTS scheme is formally termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Ratle HEP (850 MW) and Kiru HEP (624 MW): Part A,” and has an estimated outlay of around Rs.1,214 crore.
Housed under project special purpose vehicle “Ratle Kiru Power Transmission Ltd,” currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of RECPDCL, the project has an envisaged gestation period of 24 months.
This ISTS-TBCB scheme will develop transmission infrastructure spread over UT of J&K and Punjab, seeking to provide ISTS connectivity to the upcoming Ratle and Kiru hydropower projects on River Chenab in Kishtwar district of UT of J&K.
The scheme will form a grid with existing substations like Kishtwar (owned by Sterlite Power), Samba and Kishengarh (both owned by PGCIL). A major element of the scheme would be the 400kV double-circuit (quad) line from Samba to Jalandhar, running 145 km.
RTM component
The Ratle-Kiru ISTS-TBCB scheme also has an additional component known as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Ratle HEP (850 MW) and Kiru HEP (624 MW): Part B.”
As per the project structure, the developer of Part A (TBCB) will also be the de facto developer of Part B under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) framework.
This implies that IndiGrid will also be entrusted with Part B, on RTM basis.
Part B of this scheme is a relatively small component estimated to cost around Rs.196 crore. It involves, among other things, reconductoring the 400kV Kishenpur-Kishtwar portion (up to LILO point) that will be formed after the existing Kishenpur-Dulhasti line is LILOed at Kishtwar. There are also some bay upgrade works and communication systems that are included under Part B.
Fifth greenfield project
According to information available with T&D India, “Ratle Kiru Power Transmission Ltd” represents the fifth greenfield ISTS-TBCB project for IndiGrid. The existing four such projects in IndiGrid’s portfolio are Kallam Transmission Ltd (commissioned), Dhule Power Transmission Ltd and Ishanagar Power Transmission Ltd (both awarded in February 2024), and Kallam Transco (awarded in April 2024).
It may be noted that IndiGrid has a big portfolio of power transmission schemes that it has acquired from existing developers. The four schemes mentioned above are those that IndiGrid has acquired firsthand through tariff-based competitive bidding. IndiGrid also has a few schemes being developed under the RTM route.
Also read: IndiGrid co-partners “EnerGrid” platform for greenfield transmission and BESS projects
Featured photograph (source: cvppindia.com) shows physical progress, as of November 2024, of the dam associated with the upcoming Kiru hydropower project developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd – a joint venture between NHPC Ltd and J&K State Power Development Corporation Ltd.
Editor’s Note (March 14, 2025)
It was earlier understood that the RTM component (Part B) of the Ratle-Kiru HEP evacuation scheme would be implemented by the developer of the TBCB component (Part A) of the scheme. However, on March 13, 2025, according to a stock exchange filing of PGCIL, it appears that PGCIL will be developing Part B under the RTM route. The matter is currently under T&D India’s investigation.
Editor’s Note (March 18, 2025)
It has been established that PGCIL would be implementing Part B of the Ratle-Kiru HEP scheme on RTM basis. A final decision to this effect was announced by National Committee on Transmission (NCT) during its 26th meeting. The Ratle-Kiru HEP scheme (Part A and Part B) were approved much earlier, during the 20th meeting.
