REC Power Development and Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has invited bids to develop a major interstate transmission system to evacuate power from pumped storage projects (PSPs) in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Estimated at Rs 38 billion, the project will be developed under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model.

The scope includes setting up a 765/400 kV pooling station at Robertsganj, integrating it with the existing 765 kV Varanasi–Gaya transmission lines through loop-in loop-out connections, and constructing a new 765 kV double circuit line to Prayagraj. Switchable line and bus reactors are also part of the design.

The project will support a total capacity of 3.25 GW injection and 3.7 GW drawal, covering Greenko’s 2,016 MW and Avaada’s 1,716 MW applications. Infrastructure must adhere to 'Make in India' guidelines using models and manufacturers from the approved list. Bidders are required to furnish a bid security of Rs 380 million and will be informed of success charges 20 days before the submission deadline on June 27, 2025.

The winning developer will be responsible for surveying, land acquisition, obtaining statutory clearances, detailed design, construction, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance for 35 years. The entire project must be completed within 30 months of the agreement date, with a critical 1×1500 MVA interconnecting transformer at Robertsganj pooling station to be completed by December 2030.

To qualify, bidders must have handled infrastructure contracts worth at least Rs 19 billion in the last five years, with individual project experience of Rs 3.8 billion or more. Additionally, they must demonstrate a net worth of at least Rs 7.6 billion over the past three financial years.