4 November, 2011

Power Grid Corporation (PGCIL) has set aside around Rs 5,000 crore for setting up transmission network in Gujarat by October next year. PGCIL’s network would connect Bhachau, Morbi, Lalpar and Halvad at Gujarat’s Kutch district. The company has already commissioned transmission system for two units of the Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project in Gujarat. These are part of the transmission system associated with Mundra UMPP, being implemented by Power Grid at an estimated cost of about Rs 5,000 crore.

The 4,000 MW Mundra project, being developed by Tata Power, would be the first UMPP to start power generation in the country. The line is ready to evacuate power from two units of Mundra UMPP (2X800 MW) in normal condition and more than 1,200 MW in the contingency.

The system commissioned consists of high capacity Mundra-Bachau-Ranchodpura 400 kV Double circuit line along with 630 MVA Bachau 400/220 kV sub-station. These are part of the transmission system associated with Mundra UMPP, being implemented by Power Grid at an estimated cost of about Rs 5,000 core.

About 770 circuit kilometres transmission line has been commissioned in challenging conditions like passing through tough terrains in creek area of Arabian Sea, excessive water logging due to heavy rains, etc. PGCIL has planned a capital investment of Rs 55,000 crore for the development of inter-state transmission system during 11th Plan of which an investment of more than Rs 42,000 crore has already been made till September 2011.