Anboto, Avaada, Apraava, ReNew get NTPC's 1.5 GW solar projects

08 Jan 2024 CW Team

Anboto Solar (Solarpack), Apraava Energy, Avaada Energy, and ReNew Solar Power emerged as victors in NTPC's auction for the establishment of 1,500 MW interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected solar power projects (Tranche-I) across India.

Anboto Solar secured 300 MW with the lowest tariff of Rs 2.60 (~$0.0312)/kWh. Avaada and Apraava claimed 500 MW and 300 MW, respectively, at a tariff of Rs 2.65 (~$0.0318)/kWh. ReNew clinched 400 MW out of the 600 MW offered at the same tariff of Rs 2.65 (~$0.0318)/kWh.

The entire 1.5 GW capacity was allocated in this auction, with Sprng Energy, quoting Rs 2.74 (~$0.0329)/kWh for 250 MW capacity, failing to qualify.

NTPC issued the tender in October 2023, specifying that developers must maintain an annual capacity utilisation factor between 80% and 120% during the 25-year power purchase agreement duration. The use of commercially established technologies and adherence to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for solar modules were mandated.

In December 2023, NTPC Renewable Energy invited bids for land and an extra-high-voltage transmission system package for ISTS-connected solar power projects up to 800 MW capacity in Maharashtra.

The MNRE's Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies issued 35.51 GW of project tenders until December 2023, falling short of the 50 GW target for the financial year 2023-24. NTPC accounted for approximately 42% of the total capacity tendered during this period, according to Mercom?s India Solar Tender Tracker.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Apr 2026

Mineral Auction Rules Amended To Speed Mine Operationalisation

The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2026 on 30 March 2026 to accelerate operationalisation of mines and improve ease of doing business in the mining sector. The amendment follows a prior change to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 effected on 17 October 2025 that introduced intermediary timelines between issuance of a letter of intent (LoI) and execution of the mining lease. The 2025 change provided that one per cent of performance security would be appropriated for each month of delay by the preferred bidder and introduced incentives for early operatio..

Indian Railways Strengthens Telecom And AI Safety Systems

Indian Railways strengthened its telecom and digital infrastructure during 2025-26 with the aim of improving safety, operational efficiency and the passenger experience. The programme promoted modernisation through advanced technologies, robust communication systems and passenger-centric solutions. These measures were presented as part of a drive to build a digitally integrated rail ecosystem. A key development was the enhancement of the Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) backbone, commissioned at 1,396 stations to meet bandwidth needs of mission-critical applications. ..

NHAI Holds Workshop on Litigation Management and Coordination

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) organised a day-long workshop in New Delhi to strengthen capacity and interdepartmental synergy for faster execution of national highway projects. The event was held under Mission Karmayogi – Sadhana Saptah, an initiative of the Government of India to enhance governance through capacity building and improved processes. The workshop focused on structured and solution oriented deliberations to address implementation constraints. The session was chaired by the NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and brought together senior officials from NHAI, the M..