Rs 9,000-cr Warangal power project may be awarded in Feb

In its bid to develop the country's power transmission capacity, the government is in the process of auctioning projects worth Rs 1 lakh cr in the current fiscal

The Warangal transmission project with an estimated cost of around Rs 9,000 crore, the largest so far on the block, is likely to be auctioned next month.

The Power Finance Corporation's arm PFC Consulting has invited request for proposals (financial bids) for the project, which can be submitted by January 29, according to the bid document.

In its bid to develop the country's power transmission capacity, the government is in the process of auctioning projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore in the current fiscal.

These are auctioned through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process. Under this arrangement, the developer quoting the lowest annual tariff is awarded the project.

The Warangal project is one such case and the largest so far this fiscal in terms of value (cost).

The financial bids for the project will be opened on February 5. Based on the lowest annual tariff, the name of the successful bidder will be announced after a week on February 12, and the letter of intent will be issued.

Sources said that apart from central transmission utility Power Grid Corp, Sterlite Grid, Essel Infraprojects, Adani Transmission and Reliance Power Transmission are in the fray.

The project involves setting up of 765/400 kv sub-stations at Warangal in Andhra Pradesh and includes a series of 765 kv double-circuit lines including Warora (Pool) to Warangal (New), Warangal (New) to Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Kurnool, and Warangal (New) to Chilakaluripeta.

There are two 400-kv double-circuit lines, which will also be part of this transmission project.

The main aim is to augment power supply to the southern grid.