PFC Tenders Transmission Infrastructure to Evacuate 2.7 GW Pumped Storage in Maharashtra

Background and Context

As India accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, the integration of long-duration energy storage, specifically pumped hydro storage (PHS), has become a national priority. To support the influx of this intermittent power into the grid, robust transmission infrastructure is essential. PFC Consulting, acting as the nodal agency, has initiated a tender to develop a 400 kV switching station in the Igatpuri-Murbad region of Maharashtra. This infrastructure is specifically designed to facilitate the evacuation of 2.7 GW of pumped storage capacity, ensuring that energy generated in these facilities can be reliably transmitted to the high-demand load centers within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Key Details

The project scope is comprehensive, encompassing the entire lifecycle of the transmission asset. The successful bidder will be responsible for the survey, detailed project report (DPR) formulation, project management, financial arrangements, and securing all necessary consents and clearances. Furthermore, the scope includes the design, engineering, construction, erection, testing, and commissioning of the 400 kV switching substation. The infrastructure is expected to handle approximately 2 GW of currently proposed capacity, with an additional 700 MW of future capacity envisaged for the region.

Financial and technical requirements are stringent to ensure the selection of a capable developer. Bidders must demonstrate a net worth of at least ₹2.5 billion (~$26.63 million) in any of the last three financial years. Technical eligibility requires the developer to have executed infrastructure projects with an aggregate capital expenditure of at least ₹5 billion (~$53.26 million) over the last five years, with individual projects valued at a minimum of ₹1 billion (~$10.65 million). The successful bidder must provide a contract performance guarantee of ₹14 million (~$149,114) within 10 days of the letter of intent issuance.

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For large-scale EPC contractors, this tender represents a significant opportunity to secure a high-value transmission project in a strategic industrial corridor. The project’s 35-year asset transfer clause—requiring the transfer of all assets, land, and rights-of-way to the state transmission utility after 35 years—indicates a long-term operational commitment. Developers must account for the two-year construction timeline, which necessitates efficient supply chain management and rapid mobilization of project teams to meet the commissioning deadline.

What Happens Next

The bidding process is now open, with the final submission date set for June 2, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. Following the selection of the successful bidder, the project must be completed within two years. Industry stakeholders should monitor the pre-bid clarifications and potential amendments to the tender document as the June deadline approaches, particularly regarding land acquisition hurdles often associated with transmission projects in the Maharashtra region.