The Anpara-D to Unnao power transmission line, which was originally expected to complete by January 2012, is now expected to do so by March 2019, according to recent statistics released by Central Electricity Authority.
The 765kV single-circuit line in Uttar Pradesh is meant to evacuate power from the 1,000-mw Anpara-D power station of UP Power Corporation Ltd. The 2×500-mw power generation station was fully commissioned way back in March 2016.
The project has been delayed due to financial constraints facing the contractor, Jyoti Structures Ltd
The Anpara-D-Unnao line has two components: Anpara-D to Jhusi (187 ckm) and Jhusi to Unnao (239 ckm). The Jhusi-Unnao section was completed during late 2016, the EPC contractor being Gammon India. This section is currently operational at a voltage level of 132kV.
The Anpara-D to Jhusi section is what has been the cause for concern. The contract for this section was placed on Jyoti Structures Ltd. However, the company, in view of its poor financial health, was unable to commit required resources for the completion of the project. It may be mentioned that Jyoti Structures has since been referred to the National Company Law Tribunal for insolvency resolution. The contract placed on Jyoti Structures was officially rescinded on July 26, 2018, and UPPCL is understood to be in the process of finalizing the new contractor. All approvals, including the forest clearance, are in place.
The Anpara-D to Unnao line has an overall length of 426.15 ckm and involves 1,225 foundations. As of end-August 2018, a total of 1,195 foundations were completed and 1,106 towers were erected. Stringing was completed to the extent of 346.24 ckm. This progress refers to the overall project and, of course, the unfinished component refers to the Anpara-D to Jhusi section.
(Featured photograph for illustration only)
