The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has revised the cost estimate for the proposed coastal power highway linking southern, central, and northern regions and has reopened global tenders for the project.

Over the past four years, tenders for the second phase—the Aluva–North Paravur–Kodungallur 220 kV double-circuit transmission line—were issued five times but failed to attract bidders, largely due to high costs. KSEB hopes the revised estimate will generate interest, allowing construction to begin by January.

The new tender covers the construction of a 220 kV double-circuit transmission line from Aluva to Paravur in Ernakulam district and from Paravur to the Kodungallur Chappara 110 kV substation in Thrissur district. The plan includes 65 towers along the Aluva–North Paravur stretch and 56 towers across the 15 km North Paravur–Kodungallur segment.

Engineers noted that tidal movements, backwaters, rivers, and marshland have complicated tower installation and access for machinery, discouraging bidders in previous attempts.

The first phase, the Irinjalakuda–Kodungallur 220–110 kV double-circuit line, was completed three years ago, spanning 15.4 km with 55 towers and linking the Madakkathara–Irinjalakuda–Kodungallur line.

Upon completion of the Aluva–North Paravur–Kodungallur line, the coastal power highway will run parallel to the existing Kalamassery–Chalakudy–Madakkathara line, extending from Kalamassery to Kunnamkulam, Vengaloor, and Tirur.