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PFC Consulting Invites Bids for 3×500 MVA Substation Project in Karnataka’s Bidar District

Bids due by April 14, 2026; project forms part of plan to evacuate 12,580 MW of renewable energy in north Karnataka

PFC Consulting has floated a tender to establish a 3×500 MVA, 400/220 kV substation at Humnabad in Bidar district, Karnataka, along with associated transmission lines. The project is part of a broader transmission plan to evacuate 12,580 MW of renewable energy through three 765/400 kV substations and multiple 400/220 kV substations in north Karnataka to supply load centres in South Karnataka.

Bids must be submitted by April 14, 2026, and will be opened on the same day. Bidders are required to furnish an earnest money deposit of Rs104.2 million (~$1.15 million) and pay a tender document fee of Rs500,000 (~$5,517) plus 18% GST. The selected bidder must provide a performance guarantee of Rs260.4 million (~$2.87 million) within 10 days of issuance of the letter of intent.

The scope of work includes the development of a 400/220 kV substation equipped with interconnecting transformers, bus reactors, and bays. It also covers line works, including the loop-in loop-out (LILO) of the 400 kV YTPS–Kalaburgi double circuit line, 220 kV double circuit lines to Ganagapura and Santhapur substations, and LILO of existing 220 kV lines from Sedam and Kapnoor. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation will provide land for the substation.

The project capacity is specified as 3×500 MVA at the 400/220 kV level, with interconnection voltage levels of 400 kV and 220 kV. The scope further includes surveying, design, engineering, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance, and obtaining all necessary consents and permits.

Bidders must demonstrate experience over the last five years with aggregate capital expenditure of at least Rs5.20 billion (~$57.49 million), with each project not less than Rs1.04 billion (~$11.50 million), or construction experience with aggregate payments received of at least Rs5.20 billion (~$57.49 million), with each project not less than Rs1.04 billion (~$11.50 million). A minimum net worth of Rs2.5 billion (~$27.59 million) over the past three financial years is required, with no negative net worth during that period.

The project is to be commissioned simultaneously, with a scheduled commercial operation date within 30 months from the effective date. The transmission service agreement will have a tenure of 35 years from the commercial operation date. Consortium participation is permitted, with the lead member required to hold at least 26% equity and retain it for up to one year after COD, while the aggregate equity holding of the selected bidder must remain at least 51% for the same period.