Karnataka, which recently heralded the TBCB modality for its intrastate grid development, has planned more schemes under the same framework.
It is learnt that Karnataka now a total of four intrastate transmission system (InSTS) schemes that will be awarded under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
Bidding for two schemes has already begun, and for the remaining two, the process will be initiated soon. REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has been appointed as bid process coordinator (BPC) by Energy Department, Government of Karnataka, for all the four schemes.
The four InSTS-TBCB schemes are officiall referred to as:
- Establishing 400kV Substation at Mekhali along with associated transmission lines (Belagavi District)
- Establishing 400kV Substation at Hampapura along with associated transmission lines (Mandya District)
- Evacuation scheme for the proposed 2,000-MW pumped storage plant at Sharavathi, Karnataka
- Evacuation scheme for 2,000-MW solar park at Ryapte village, Tumkur district, Karnataka
RECPDCL has initiated the bidding process for two schemes (#1 and #2) while project special purpose vehicles (SPV) have been incorporated for all four schemes. The project SPVs have been incorporated as wholly-owned subsidiaries of RECPDCL and will be subsequently transferred to the winning developer (transmission service provider, TSP) selected under the TBCB mechanism.
The SPVs in serial order are:
- Mekhali Power Transmission Ltd
- Hampapura Power Transmission Ltd
- Sharavathi Power Transmission Ltd
- Ryapte Power Transmission Ltd
Project objectives
The scheme housed under “Sharavathi Power Transmission Ltd” seeks to create evacuation infrastructure for the upcoming Sharavathi pumped storage project (2,000 MW) in Karnataka. According to information available, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in August 2024, approved the detailed project report (DPR) of this PSP to be developed by Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) with an estimated outlay of Rs.8,000 crore. Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) has won the EPC contract for this mega project, and land acquisition for the project spread across two districts of Shimoga (also known as Shivmogga) and Uttara Kannada, is currently underway it is learnt.
The Ryapte Power Transmission scheme involves putting up evacuation infrastructure associated with the upcoming Ryapte solar park in Tumkur district. With an envisaged capacity of 2 GW (2,000 MW), this project is promoted by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd.
Details on the Mekhali and Hampapura intrastate schemes can be found in T&D India’s story dated May 2, 2025.
Featured photograph (source: Adani Energy Solutions Ltd) is for representation only
