Tata Projects Ltd, in collaboration with the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), has successfully completed the 112-km, 400kV double-circuit Barapukuria-Bogra transmission line project valued at $120 million (around Rs.1,017 crore).
The ACCC® Stringing was executed on time in just 14 months, from August 30, 2023, to its completion, with no incidents reported.
The project involved the supply of approximately 2,700 km of ACCC® Dhaka-size conductor by Apar Industries and ACCC® hardware by Deravaux (France). Installation was carried out using Zeck tensioners and bull wheels, while porcelain insulators were used throughout. To ensure smooth installation, a team of ACCC® Master Installers provided on-site training and technical support.
The Barapukuria-Bogra line is part of the larger Barapukuria-Bogra-Kaliakoir 400kV transmission project. This includes the construction of 112 km of 400kV double-circuit lines between Barapukuria and Bogura (executed by Tata Projects) and 140 km from Bogura to Kaliakoir (currently under execution by another EPC contractor). Additional work includes the extension of two 400kV AIS bays at the Kaliakoir substation and two 230kV AIS bays at the Parbotipur 230kV switching station.
Project objective
The primary goal of the project is to strengthen the high-voltage transmission network in northern Bangladesh, facilitating the future import of electricity from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Challenging terrain, including hilly areas and submerged paddy fields, posed logistical difficulties for equipment placement, particularly at angle-tower sites, but these were successfully navigated. The entire line is supported by pile foundations.
Appreciation from PGCB
Tata Projects received a Certificate of Appreciation from PGCB for adopting best Quality Practices & maintaining High Quality Standards and achieving one million safe man-hours during the project. The company was also honored with the 2023 International Safety Award by the British Safety Council.
To date, PGCB has completed over 45 ACCC® Conductor installations across Bangladesh.
Latest technology
Narendra Kumar, Head of Operations (T&D) Tata Projects Limited stated: “When safety, reliability and efficiency are crucial, incorporating latest technology in project execution becomes inevitable. Tata Projects Ltd completed the 400kV Barapukuria – Bogura EHV transmission line with the use of high-capacity ACCC Conductor and high safety & quality standards which paved the way for a more sustainable and robust future for the energy business.”
Partnering PGCB
Hitesh Mundhada, Vice President- South Asia, CTC Global, added, “We are privileged that PGCB, Bangladesh, has consistently chosen ACCC® Conductor for enhancing their transmission network across a range of voltage levels. With more than 45 installations completed and several more underway, we remain deeply committed to advancing PGCB’s goal of dependable and high-quality transmission of electricity throughout the country.”
Also read: Tata Projects lands turnkey order for 400kV transmission line in Bangladesh
Featured photograph courtesy: CTC Global