Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has invited competitive bids to upgrade electrical infrastructure at its 10 megawatt (MW) Solar PV plant. The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department issued the tender under Tender No. 168/2026-27/IM&EE/ELE/EMP/1411. The work covers supply, replacement, testing and commissioning of metering and associated electrical systems.

The scope includes supply and replacement of three National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-calibrated Availability Based Tariff (ABT) meters and NABL calibration of six 33 kV current transformers (CTs) and six 33 kV potential transformers (PTs). The contractor will coordinate meter replacement with Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) and perform testing and commissioning.

The estimated cost is Rs 11,02,748 and the selected contractor must complete the entire scope within 45 days of site or line clearance, excluding departmental delays. The works also include supply and commissioning of one 11 kV high tension (HT) outdoor metering cubicle near the EQ-1 terminal and installation of one 11 kV HT meter to monitor energy consumption at the EQ-1A berth.

Contractors must lay the required 10-core control cable and complete all related electrical works. Financial eligibility requires an average annual turnover of at least Rs 3,30,824 during the previous three financial years, equivalent to 30 per cent of the estimated cost. Technical qualification requires experience in high tension works rated 11 kV or above during the previous seven years and a valid 33 kV HT Electrical Licence from the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The two-bid online tender allows document download from August 31 to September 21, 2026 until 14:00 hours, with submission closing at 15:00 hours on September 21 and technical bids opened on September 22 at 11:00 hours. Bidders must pay a non-refundable transaction fee of Rs 472 including 18 per cent GST and an earnest money deposit of Rs 22,055, while eligible micro and small enterprises may claim exemptions. Bids will remain valid for 90 days and the successful contractor will be subject to a 10 per cent security deposit deduction, refundable after the 12-month defect liability period.