Maharashtra's 6600 MW power tender under regulatory scrutiny

02 Jul 2024 CW Team

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has issued a 6,600 MW tender for long-term power procurement, now under review by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). MSEDCL applied for approval for deviations in the standard bidding documents, but MERC, in a June 25 order, questioned why this approval was not sought before the bidding process began. MERC directed MSEDCL to quantify how the proposed deviations benefit consumers.

In March, MSEDCL issued a tender for 1,600 MW of thermal power and 5,000 MW of solar power in Maharashtra, just before the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections was enforced. The power procurement is intended to meet the demand for 2033-34, a decade from now.

MERC's order required MSEDCL to clarify whether the early commissioning, starting in 2 to 4 years, would result in any stranded capacity. The regulator also sought confirmation that MSEDCL had secured sufficient power to meet projected demand before 2033-34. Additionally, MERC asked MSEDCL to explain the rationale for combining solar and thermal power procurement from a single entity and whether future thermal power procurements would follow this approach.

According to sources, MSEDCL aims to finalize the tender by July, before the state election code of conduct is issued for the October 2024 elections. An industry source indicated that projects of this magnitude would need around Rs 400 billion in investment. Interested parties must secure offers from equipment suppliers, arrange financing, and procure essentials such as land, water, and transmission for participation in the tender.

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..