The 400kV double-circuit Gooty-Tumkur (Pavagada) interstate line straddling Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is to be reconductored under the regulated tariff mechanism.
In its latest meeting, National Committee on Transmission (NCT) cleared this project for implementation by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), the owner of the line, under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) framework.
In a recent communication, Central Transmission Utility of India (CTUIL) directed PGCIL to enter into a concession agreement with the former for implementation of the project.
With an estimated cost of Rs.341.21 crore, the project has an implementation timeframe of 24 months.
Rationale
As stated in the ISTS Rolling Plan Report for 2029-30, high loading on the 400kV double-circuit Gooty—Tumkur (Pavagada) line has resulted in the line crossing its thermal rating of 850 MVA under N-1 contingency. This high loading has been observed during peak RE time due to high injection at Tumkur (Pavagada) from ISTS as well as Karnataka STU network.
Further, Grid Controller of India Ltd (GRID-INDIA) in its operational feedback for Q4FY25 and Q1FY26 had also highlighted high loading on the 400kV line under discussion.
Project details
The project will involve reconductoring of the 400kV double-circuit Gooty—Tumkur (Pavagada) line, running around 104.5 km (not ckm), with HTLS conductor of capacity 2,100 MVA. It will also entail upgrade of bay equipment at both ends – Gooty (Andhra Pradesh) and Tumkur (Karnataka) to support higher ampacity of the reconductored line.
Upgrade of Champa Pooling Station
In an independent development, NCT, at the same meeting, also approved upgrade of the Champa Pooling Station (PS) in Chhattisgarh by PGCIL, under the RTM route. With an estimated cost of Rs.145.12 crore, the project involves augmentation of transformation capacity at the 765/400kV Champa PS by installation of 1×1500 MVA, 765/400kV interconnecting transformer (ICT) on Bus Section-B. This would be the 4th ICT on this bus section.
The project is estimated to commission in a timeframe matching that of the ISTS-TBCB scheme termed as “WR-ER Interregional network expansion scheme – Part A,” for which, incidentally, PGCIL has emerged as the frontrunner. The anticipated completion date of this project is June 2029, by current thinking. (Read full story)
The Champa PS augmentation aims to facilitate connectivity to the 2×660-MW thermal power plant of Korba Power Ltd (now owned by Adani Power, earlier Lanco Amarkantak Power Ltd) on Bus Section-B of Champa PS.
Featured photograph (source: MSETCL) is for representation only