There are only two contenders in the fray for an interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme involving augmentation works at two pooling stations in Khavda, Gujarat.
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) are the only bidders qualified for opening of initial price bids for this ISTS-TBCB scheme formally referred to as “Augmentation of transformation capacity at KPS1 (GIS) and KPS2 (GIS) (Phase-V, Part B1 and Part B2 scheme)”. KPS1 and KPS2 stand for Khavda Pooling Station-1 and 2, respectively.
Bid process coordinator REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has incorporated this project under its wholly-owned subsidiary “Khavda V-B1B2 Power Transmission Ltd.” This SPV will be transferred to the successful bidder, which is expected to take place soon.
Project background
The project involves putting up a 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICT on bus section-II at KPS1, and a similar ICT on bus section-I at KPS2. In both the cases, the ICT will be the 9th such at the respective pooling stations.
With an estimated cost of Rs.466 crore, this project is scheduled to commission in 24 months from the date of SPV transfer.
Rationale
The project will cater to growing ISTS connectivity requirements at the two pooling stations, and it will also help meet “N-1” compliance.
Build-up of KPS1 and KPS2
KPS1: Through its TBCB subsidiary “Khavda Bhuj Transmission Ltd,” AESL commissioned KPS1 with 3×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICTs, on bus section-1. AESL, through another TBCB subsidiary “KPS1 Transmission Ltd” is putting up 4×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICTs on bus section-II with scheduled commissioning date of January 2025. Further, KPS1 Transmission Ltd, under the RTM route, is putting up 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV ICT on bus section-I. These will result in a total of eight ICTs at KPS1 and the Khavda V-B1B2 project, under discussion, will see the 9th ICT coming up.
KPS2: PGCIL has been associated with the entire build-up of KPS2 so far. Through its TBCB subsidiary “Powergrid KPS2 Transmission System Ltd,” four ICTs (of the same rating as that of KPS1) are coming up – two each on bus section-1 and bus section-2. Another four ICTs (two on each bus section) are coming at KPS2 through “Powergrid Khavda IV-E2 Power Transmission Ltd,” a TBCB subsidiary of PGCIL. Thus, KPS2 will have eight ICTs and the ninth will be through the under-bidding Khavda V-B1B2 project.
As KPS1 and KPS2 are being developed through PGCIL and AESL through various TBCB and RTM projects, it is no surprise that these very two bidders are the only ones in the race for Khavda V-B1B2 project, currently under bidding.
It may be noted that KPS1 Transmission Ltd was originally won by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) but was later acquired by AESL.
Also read: Only two in the fray for “ERGS-I” ISTS scheme in Odisha
Featured photograph (source: Godrej & Boyce) is for representation only
