Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has annulled the bidding process for an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme for evacuation of upcoming hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh.
RECPDCL has scrapped the bidding process for the ISTS-TBCB scheme termed as “Transmission system for evacuation of power from Shongtong Karcham HEP (450 MW) and Tidong HEP (150 MW” that was housed under project SPV “Shongtong Power Transmission Ltd.”
Interestingly, the scrapping of the bidding process has come at a time when three bidders – Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Sterlite Power (now Resonia) and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) – were shortlisted in September 2024 for opening of initial price bids.
It is even learnt that PGCIL was named L1 bidder but the formal issuance of the letter of intent was pending.
The bidding process for Shongtong Power Transmission Ltd was initiated in June 2023, and by original timelines, the initial price bids were scheduled to open on July 24, 2023. However, the last date of submission of bids was extended on at least 23 occasions, prolonging the bidding process by well over a year.
The reasons for scrapping the bidding process were not immediately available.
Rationale
Shongtong Power Transmission Ltd aims to create a transmission system for evacuation of power from Shongtong Karcham hydropower project (450 MW) and Tidong hydropower project (150 MW), both located in Himachal Pradesh. While the Shongtong Karcham project is owned by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL), the Tidong plant is developed by Tidong Power Generation Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norway-based Statkraft.
It may be added that Statkraft, in 2018, acquired the Tidong hydropower project from Hyderabad-based NSL Power group, its original developer, when 60 per cent construction work was already completed. The project was then designed with 100 MW capacity.
Both the hydropower projects are under active construction and are expected to commission by July 2026. The associated transmission scheme is also envisaged for completion with a timeframe matching that of the hydropower projects.
Project elements
The major components of the transmission scheme include a 400/220kV GIS pooling station at Jhangi; a 400kV double-circuit (quad) line from the Jhangi PS to Wangtoo substation of HPPTCL; LILO of one circuit of the Jhangi PS – Wangtoo line at the generation switchyard of Shongtong hydropower project and a 400kV double-circuit line connecting Wangtoo substation to PGCIL’s Panchkula substation in Haryana.
Featured photograph is for representation only
