Our vision is to significantly contribute to India’s energy transition goals: G R Infraprojects
- January 29, 2025
With a portfolio of four interstate transmission schemes, including one operational, G R Infraprojects Ltd (GRIL) is fast emerging as a leading player in the power transmission development space. In this exchange, we have Saurabh Kaushik, Head – Business Development – Power T&D, G R Infraprojects Ltd, discussing the company’s projects in details, whilst giving insights into how private sector participation in power transmission can be enhanced. Saurabh Kaushik is confident that GRIL, by way of its growing presence in the power T&D space, is poised to make significant contribution to India’s energy transition goals.
GRIL now has a portfolio of four ISTS-TBCB projects including one commissioned. What is the broad current status of the newly-acquired Tumkur-II project?
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Ashwin Agarwal, we have been able to build a strong portfolio in a short time. Tumkur-II project is currently in the preparatory phase, with preliminary site surveys, route alignment, and feasibility studies nearing completion. We are actively engaging with local stakeholders to mitigate challenges related to land acquisition and statutory clearances. Key project implementation plans are in place to ensure timely delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
What are the transmission elements to be developed under Tumkur-II and the overall objective of this interstate scheme?
This project involves constructing approximately 60 ckm (circuit kilometers) of transmission lines and establishing a 400/220kV AIS substation. It is designed to enhance grid reliability, support renewable energy integration from southern states, and ensure power adequacy in neighboring regions by addressing bottlenecks in interstate power flow. By aligning with India’s renewable energy and grid resilience goals, Tumkur-II will play a pivotal role in national infrastructure development.
At what stage is GRIL’s Pachora project with respect to physical construction? Is commissioning likely by February 2026, as scheduled?
The Pachora project is advancing steadily. All statutory and regulatory permissions are in place. Construction activities are simultaneously progressing across all three elements of the project. Utilizing advanced construction technologies and stringent project monitoring frameworks, we remain confident of achieving the February 2026 commissioning target.
Tell us how the successful commissioning of GRIL’s first project – Rajgarh Transmission – has positively impacted project execution of subsequent projects. What were the specific learnings?
The successful commissioning of the Rajgarh Transmission project has been a cornerstone for GRIL’s power portfolio, showcasing the exceptional dedication and expertise of our PT&D team. Their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable infrastructure has set new benchmarks for excellence. This milestone has not only elevated our project execution capabilities but also redefined our approach to managing complex challenges such as:
- Multi-agency coordination, logistical hurdles, and stakeholder engagement
- Enhancing design approaches for faster deployment and scalability
- Leveraging real-time project monitoring tools for improved visibility and control
- Establishing community liaison offices to ensure smoother right-of-way (RoW) acquisition and effectively address local concerns
These insights are being systematically implemented in the Pachora and Tumkur-II projects, reinforcing our ability to deliver projects efficiently.
What is your overall view on the TBCB modality in power transmission development, especially in the context of encouraging private sector participation?
The TBCB framework has transformed power transmission by introducing transparency, fostering competition, and encouraging private sector investment. However, there is scope for refinement, on the following lines:
- Introducing risk-sharing mechanisms for uncontrollable delays
- Enhancing bidder prequalification criteria to ensure technically and financially sound participants
Such measures will ensure sustainable growth while mitigating risks for developers and stakeholders.
Power transmission projects are often fraught with difficulties such as securing right-of-way (RoW), obtaining mandatory government clearances from multiple authorities, resistance from local population, etc. What more could be done by government agencies to ensure that projects do not face undue time and cost overruns?
Key recommendations to address challenges in power transmission projects include:
- Centralized RoW approval mechanisms: Establish single-window clearance for faster resolution of land and environmental issues
- Digital mapping tools: Mandate GPS-based route planning to minimize ecological impact and enhance planning accuracy
In our Pachora project, for instance, using digital mapping tools optimized route selection and minimized environmental impact.
Some industry players feel that the e-reverse auction can potentially result in unreasonably low tariffs quoted by developers with a view to winning the projects. What is your reading?
While e-reverse auctions promote competitive pricing, the trend of unreasonably low bids raises concerns over project viability. Introducing a minimum threshold tariff can discourage unsustainable bids and foster healthier competition, ensuring long-term sustainability for projects and developers.
With rich experience in diverse infrastructure segments, including power transmission, would GRIL be interested in exploring opportunities in the power distribution space, say in RDSS-related projects?
It is GRIL management’s strategic perspective to diversify into power T&D. Currently we are actively exploring opportunities in power distribution, particularly under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and build presence in key states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Northeastern states. Focusing on deploying advanced technologies such as smart metering, network optimization, and loss-reduction measures to modernize India’s distribution infrastructure.
Given that India’s power transmission sector would be witnessing investment of around Rs.9 trillion by 2032, how do you see the opportunities for GRIL in the years ahead?
With Rs.9 trillion earmarked for power transmission by 2032, GRIL is strategically positioned to capitalize on this growth. Key focus areas include:
- Scaling up participation in renewable energy evacuation schemes
- Diversifying into advanced transmission technologies like HVDC and GIS
- Studying solar integration opportunities to complement our current line of business
- Expanding our presence in emerging markets within India and neighboring countries
Our long-term vision is to become a leading player in power transmission, significantly contributing to India’s energy transition goals. By embracing innovation and leveraging our execution capabilities, GRIL aims to remain a cornerstone of India’s infrastructure development.
