RECPDCL transfers Nawada–Durgapur–Jeerat transmission SPV to private developer
NEW DELHI / DURGAPUR: REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) has handed over the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the Nawada–Durgapur–Jeerat transmission project to Shivalaya Construction Limited, the companies reported. The handover, completed on October 16, follows the selection of Shivalaya Construction as the successful bidder under a tariff-based competitive bidding process in which RECPDCL acted as bid process coordinator, according to PSU Watch.
The project, identified as ERES-47, will be implemented on a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) basis and envisages the establishment of high-capacity substation and transmission infrastructure linking Bihar and West Bengal. The package includes a new 765/400/220 kV substation at Nawada in Bihar and a new 765 kV switching station at Durgapur in West Bengal, along with long-distance double-circuit 765 kV transmission lines between the three nodes.
- Scope: New substations and switching station; associated line works and balance-of-plant.
- Lines: Approximately 265 km double-circuit between Nawada and Durgapur; about 145 km between Durgapur and Jeerat.
- Model: BOOT — developer constructs, operates and transfers the asset after the concession period.
"The SPV was handed over on October 16... following Shivalaya Construction Limited's selection as the successful bidder," PSU Watch reported.
The formal handover was performed by Rajkumar Sonkar, Head of Department (CS), RECPDCL, to Rajesh Kumar Singh, Head (Power and Transmission) of Shivalaya Construction Limited, in the presence of senior officials from RECPDCL, Shivalaya and the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited, the report added. No further financial details or concession-period terms were disclosed in the report.
Local implications for Durgapur
Durgapur hosts a long-standing industrial belt and major thermal and manufacturing establishments that depend on reliable high-voltage transmission. The addition of a 765 kV switching station in the city is intended to strengthen inter-state transfer capacity and improve grid stability across the region.
While the announcement specifies equipment and route lengths, the timetable for construction, testing and commercial operation has not been released in the report. The BOOT arrangement means that Shivalaya Construction will be the implementing authority during the construction and operating phases, and will hand the assets back to the designated authority on completion of the concession period.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project code | ERES-47 |
| Key nodes | Nawada (765/400/220 kV substation), Durgapur (765 kV switching station), Jeerat (new 765 kV station) |
| Line lengths | ~265 km (Nawada–Durgapur), ~145 km (Durgapur–Jeerat) |
| Delivery model | BOOT (Build–Own–Operate–Transfer) |
Officials from the Central Transmission Utility were present at the handover event, underlining the inter-state nature of the corridor. For the industries clustered in and around Durgapur, the corridor promises higher transfer capacity which could reduce transmission bottlenecks and support future load growth. However, the exact operational benefits will depend on commissioning timelines, protection systems and coordination with existing grid elements.
RECPDCL's role as bid process coordinator reflects the central government's effort to mobilise private-sector resources for strategic power-transmission links. The report by PSU Watch did not provide an estimated project cost, concession duration or details on land acquisition and right-of-way for the long transmission stretches.
For residents and civic planners in Durgapur, the development signals a significant infrastructure upgrade. City authorities and the state transmission utility will need to coordinate with the developer on routing, safety clearances and local connectivity once construction schedules are shared.
Further updates on project timelines, environmental clearances and community engagement are expected as Shivalaya Construction advances implementation under the BOOT framework, the report concluded.
