POWERGRID Tenders 6 GW Rajasthan Solar Evacuation Line

Background and Context

The Power Grid Corporation of India (POWERGRID) has officially invited bids for a pre-bid tie-up to establish a ±800 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. This infrastructure project is designed to facilitate the evacuation of 6 GW of solar power generated within the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone Phase-IV. As India accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, the development of robust interstate transmission systems (ISTS) remains a primary bottleneck and a key priority for national energy security.

Key Details

The proposed transmission line will link the Barmer-II HVDC terminal in Rajasthan to the South Kalamb HVDC terminal in Maharashtra. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by April 16, 2026, with the bid opening scheduled for the same day. The project mandates a strict completion timeline of 38 months. To qualify, bidders must demonstrate experience in constructing at least 100 km of transmission lines at a minimum of 345 kV D/C voltage level within the last seven years. Financial eligibility criteria include a positive net worth over the last three financial years, a minimum average annual turnover of ₹2.68 billion (~$29 million) for the best three of the last five years, and liquid assets or credit facilities amounting to at least ₹447.6 million (~$5 million).

What This Means for EPCs and Developers

For EPC contractors, this tender represents a significant opportunity to participate in large-scale grid infrastructure development. The integration of 6 GW of solar capacity from Rajasthan is a massive undertaking that requires specialized expertise in HVDC technology. Developers currently operating in the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Zone will benefit from the enhanced evacuation capacity, which reduces the risk of curtailment and ensures that generated power reaches high-demand load centers in Maharashtra. The project underscores the government’s commitment to upgrading grid infrastructure to match the rapid pace of renewable energy capacity additions.

What Happens Next

Following the April 2026 deadline, POWERGRID will evaluate the technical and financial bids to select a partner for this critical infrastructure. The successful execution of this line will build upon recent successes, such as the commissioning of the final ISTS by POWERGRID Narela Transmission, which successfully evacuated 8.1 GW of power from Rajasthan. As the India renewable energy sector continues to expand, the strategic alignment of transmission planning with solar energy zone development remains the cornerstone of achieving the nation’s ambitious green energy targets.