The Southern Railway announced an invitation for bids regarding the installation of 1.2 MW rooftop solar projects at various locations in Perambur, Chennai, under the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model. It was mentioned that the bids would commence on May 7, 2024, and the deadline for submission of bids was set for May 21, 2024.
It was stated that the project, estimated at Rs 169.8 million, forms a part of the Indian Railways? strategy to utilize renewable energy sources for its operations. The responsibilities encompassing the design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, commissioning of the rooftop solar PV system, and its operation would fall upon the successful bidder.
Potential bidders were informed that the cost of the tender document stood at Rs 34,810, while a required earnest money deposit of Rs 1.28 million was necessary. Eligibility criteria were detailed, with bidders needing to demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least Rs 15 million over the past three financial years, along with maintaining a positive net worth during that period. Additionally, they were required to have installed either a minimum of 200 kWp of grid-connected rooftop solar systems or 1,000 kWp of any grid-connected systems.
The announcement allowed joint venture firms to participate, with bids being ranked from lowest to highest based on the tariff rate quoted by the bidders. It was emphasized that tariff rates should be exclusive of taxes and levies, such as self-generation tax, network charges, and potential future taxes, which would be borne by the Railways.
The successful bidder was obligated to complete the project within 240 days from the date of contract award.
In a related development, the South Eastern Railway had recently invited bids to empanel agencies for the establishment of 8.383 MW of grid-connected rooftop solar power projects in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal through public-private partnerships, following a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer approach.
Furthermore, the Asansol Division of the Eastern Railway in West Bengal had previously invited bids from solar developers for the installation of 1 MW grid-connected rooftop solar projects, also following a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis.
