Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APCPDCL) has proposed to convert overhead lines in select areas into underground cables, under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
These underground cables will be laid in identified locations falling under the Mangalagiri and Tadepalli Municipal Corporations in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. This area is under the purview of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) under whose scope is also included the Krishna district.
The objective of laying underground cables is to provide “Smart Distribution Network” and the project is being implemented under the Centrally-sponsored RDSS.
PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), is associated with the project, and is now seeking bids from consultants to carry out load flow studies for the proposed underground cable network. Bidding is limited to consultants that are already technically empaneled under “Category “3(F)(i)” with PFCCL.
The late of submission of technical bids is June 30, 2025, and they would be opened on the same date.
On its part, PFCCL has already carried out field survey and GIS mapping of the distribution assets including feeders, distribution transformers and substations. This survey report will be shared with the incumbent consultant.
The consultant’s scope of work will include preparing a detailed project report (DPR) covering load forecasting, load flow analysis and network optimization. The consultant is also expected to provide a preliminary estimate the project cost for the underground cabling project based on the load flow analysis.
It is reliably learnt that empaneled under Category “3(F)(i)” specifically relates to technical consultants qualified to conduct studies on underground cabling.
Subsea cabling
It may be recalled that earlier this year PFCCL was also in the process of appointing consultants for preparation of feasibility report and techno-commercial analysis for domestic manufacturing, safe laying and maintenance of subsea cables. To this effect, a pre-bid meeting was held in March 2025 for addressing queries of potential bidders. While the last date for submission of bids (after multiple extensions) stood at April 21, 2025, there is no official communication available yet on the final outcome.
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Featured photograph (source: MPPTCL) is for representation only