The Union power ministry recently approved one component of the Bikaner-V ISTS scheme, which would be implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) under the regulated tariff mechanism (RTM) framework.
The RTM component is referred to as “Transmission scheme for evacuation of power as part of Rajasthan REZ Ph-IV (Part-6: 6 GW) (Bikaner Complex) (Bikaner V: 6 GW) – Part E.”
PGCIL is expected to enter into a concession agreement with Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) for implementation of the project.
As discussed in tndindia.com’s story dated June 20, 2026, the first four parts (Part A to Part D) will be developed under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism with REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) proposed to act as the bid process coordinator.
Part E is the smallest of the five components and was approved, along with the preceding four, at the most-recent meeting of National Committee on Transmission (NCT) held in May 2026.
Part E, with a project cost Rs.129.41 crore as estimated by NCT involves re-conductoring of the 400kV double-circuit Patiala-Mohali section (up to LILO) point of the 400kV double-circuit Patiala-Panchkula line. The section to be reconductored is around 30 km, and will be achieved with a twin HTLS line with minimum capacity of 2,100 MVA on each circuit at nominal voltage.
Apart from reconductoring, Part E also entails bay upgrade works at the existing 400kV Patiala substation to support the enhanced line rating of 2,100 MVA.
The project is scheduled for completion in 36 months.
Associated with Part B
Part E discussed above will be closely associated with Part B – a TBCB component of the overall Bikaner-V scheme.
Under Part B, among several other elements, a 400/220kV, 4×500 MVA GIS substation would be put up at Mohali in Punjab. Part B also involves LILO of one circuit of the 400kV double-circuit Patiala-Panchkula line at Mohali with twin HTLS conductor. The LILO length of around 20 km.
Thus, Part E, in conjunction with Part B, will ensure that the LILO section (up to Mohali) of the Patiala-Panchkula line and the LILO itself will be equipped with high-efficiency HTLS conductor.
Featured photograph (source: CTC Global) is for representation only