Maharashtra’s TBCB Debut: PFCCL Invites Bids for Landmark Nashik Transmission Project

The Core Announcement

In a significant pivot for Maharashtra’s infrastructure procurement strategy, PFC Consulting Limited (PFCCL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a Transmission Service Provider (TSP) for the “Transmission Scheme for Establishment of 400/220 kV AIS Malegaon (Saundane) SS” in Nashik. Acting as the Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) for the Government of Maharashtra, PFCCL is implementing this project on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis via Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB). Industry watchers note that this represents Maharashtra’s debut in utilizing the TBCB modality for its intrastate transmission system—a move approved during the 10th meeting of the Empowered Committee on May 12, 2026. Prospective developers must submit their bids by September 18, 2026, at 15:00 IST.

Detailed Project Scope and Technical Specifications

The project is designed to enhance regional grid reliability and facilitate the evacuation of renewable energy (RE) power. Detailed survey work for the scheme was conducted by N.K. Enterprises, acting as the technical consultant. The scope includes:

• Substation Components:
  • Establishment of the 400/220 kV AIS Malegaon (Saundane) Substation.
  • Installation of 2×500 MVA, 400/220 kV Inter-Connecting Transformers (ICTs).
  • Installation of 1×125 MVAR, 420 kV bus reactor.
  • Bay Requirements:
    • 400 kV: 06 line bays, 02 ICT bays, and 01 bus reactor bay.
    • 220 kV: 10 line bays, 02 ICT bays, 01 Bus Coupler (BC), 01 Transfer Bus Coupler (TBC), and 01 set of 220 kV Bus Sectionalizers.
• Transmission Lines:
  • A 400 kV D/C line (Quad moose) from Malegaon (Saundane) to Pimpalgaon SS, including 02 AIS line bays at the Pimpalgaon end.
  • LILO of both circuits of the Dhule-Babhleshwar 400 kV D/C line, featuring 63 MVAR switchable line reactors at the Malegaon (Saundane) end for each circuit.
  • LILO of both circuits of the 220 kV D/C Malegaon-Kalwan line.
  • LILO of the 220 kV S/C Malegaon-Satana line.
  • LILO of both circuits of the 220 kV D/C Malegaon-Manmad line.
• Execution Timeline: The Scheduled Commercial Operation Date (COD) is fixed at 24 months from the Effective Date.
• Future Provision: The design mandates space for one additional 400/220 kV 500 MVA ICT, one 400 kV ICT bay, one 220 kV ICT bay, and four 220 kV end bays.

Bidding Process and Submission Guidelines

The bidding follows a single-stage, two-envelope electronic system conducted via the MSTC Limited platform.

• Financial Logistical Requirements: Bidders must pay a non-refundable documentation fee of Rs. 5,00,000 (or USD 7,000) plus 18% GST. Crucially, a Bid Bond of Rs. 8.08 Crore is required to be submitted alongside the Technical Bid.
• Selection Mechanism: Following the technical evaluation, the Initial Offers of qualified bidders will be ranked. The top 50% (or a minimum of four bidders) will advance to an electronic reverse auction.
• Regulatory Nuance: Bidders should note a pending proposal before the Hon’ble Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to revise e-Reverse Auction parameters, including potential enhancements to the Contract Performance Guarantee and modifications to bid decrement values.

Critical Bidding Timeline

Eligibility and Financial Qualification Parameters

Qualification requirements are stringent, ensuring only Tier-1 infrastructure players participate:

• Financial Standing: Bidders must report a minimum Net Worth of Rs. 250 Crore in any of the last three financial years, with no negative net worth during that period.
• Technical Experience: Bidders must demonstrate an aggregate capital expenditure of at least Rs. 500 Crore in the infrastructure sector over the last five years (individual projects must be at least Rs. 100 Crore). Alternatively, aggregate payments for construction works totaling Rs. 500 Crore are acceptable; however, these works shall not include the cost of land or equipment supply unless part of a turnkey/EPC contract.
• Ownership Structure: The selected TSP will acquire 100% equity in the project-specific SPV currently under incorporation.

Institutional Framework and Project Context

• Issuing Authority: PFCCL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Limited, serves as the BPC as appointed by the Government of Maharashtra via gazette notification.
• Strategic Objective: The Malegaon (Saundane) scheme is a vital part of the Intrastate Transmission System (InSTS) aimed at resolving transmission constraints and facilitating bulk RE power evacuation to Maharashtra’s load centers.
• Long-term Asset Transfer: In accordance with the BOOT model, the TSP will operate the system for 35 years. Upon the conclusion of this term, all assets—including land, clearances, and the substation itself—must be transferred to the Maharashtra State Transmission Utility (STU) at zero cost and free of encumbrances.

You can use the following official links to access the tender documents and bidding information for the Maharashtra intra-state transmission projects:

• PFC Consulting Limited (Official Website): https://www.pfcclindia.com
• MSTC Limited E-Bidding Portal (General): https://www.mstcecommerce.com
• MSTC E-Bidding Direct Link for Transmission Projects: www.mstcecommerce.com/eprochome/tsp/index.jsp

Note for Bidders: To submit online bids, interested parties must register themselves on the MSTC e-procurement website listed above by clicking the “Register as Vendor” link. Technical bid opening for the Malegaon (Saundane) scheme is scheduled for 18 September 2026 at 15:30 hours (IST).