The 400kV Udupi-Kasargode transmission system being developed by Sterlite Power, under tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mode, is envisaged for completion by March 2022, which will be eight months ahead of schedule. EPC contracts for major project elements have recently been awarded.
The transmission scheme costing around Rs.800 crore has two main project elements:
- 400kV double-circuit line from Udupi in Karnataka to Kasargode in Kerala
- 2×500 MVA 400/220kV GIS substation at Kasargode in Kerala
The project also involves setting up of two 400kV line bays and busbar extension works at the switchyard of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL). Now owned by Adani Power, UPCL is a 2×600-mw coal-fired power plant in the Udupi district of Karnataka.
Current Status
Detailed survey as well as design and engineering work for the 400kV Udupi-Kasargode double-circuit transmission line, spanning 231 ckm, is currently in progress. The EPC contractor was appointed in mid-August 2020, and foundation work (on 310 locations in entirety) is expected to start after securing authority under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003. (This section relates to securing authority/permission for putting up transmission lines. This permission is preceded by a Gazette notification, which in the case of this project, has already been published.)
It is expected that 24 locations (out of the total 310) will fall in forest area measuring around 43 ha. The length of the transmission line falling in forest area is around 9.5 km. The forest diversion proposal will be submitted once the detailed survey is complete.
Land for the substation has been fully acquired and soil testing has been carried out. Like in the case of the transmission line, the EPC contractor for the substation was appointed in August 2020. Currently, design and engineering work is under progress.
Early Completion
Even as the scheduled project completion date is November 2022, the project is envisaged to complete by March 2022, which is eight months ahead of schedule. The scheduled completion date has been arrived as 38 months from the time of acquisition of the special purpose vehicle “Udupi Kasargode Transmission” by Sterlite Power, which took place in September 2019.
Background
The Udupi– Kasargode line was planned for improving reliability of power supply and stability in the northern area of Kerala. It also aims at relieving congestion between the S1 (Andhra Pardesh, Telangana & Karnataka) and S2 (TamilNadu & Kerala) corridors in south India.
(Featured photograph is for representation only)
