ABCI Infrastructures Secures 40 MW / 80 MWh Standalone BESS Project from CESC in Kolkata

On April 23, 2026, ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. was awarded a contract by the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) to develop a 40 MW / 80 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project, secured through a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding process, is sited at the New Cossipore Generating Station (NCGS) in Kolkata, West Bengal. This award marks a significant sector and geographical diversification for the developer into the energy storage market.

Technical Performance Benchmarks

The facility is engineered to meet specific grid stability and reliability metrics. Key technical specifications, including interconnection and cabling requirements, are detailed in the table below:

Commercial Model and Agreement Terms

The project is structured under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) framework, governed by a 12-year Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA).

• Tariff Structure: The project was awarded at a tariff of Rs 3,26,000 per MW per month.
• Transfer Mechanism: Following the 12-year operational term, the project assets will be transferred to CESC for a nominal fee of Rs 1.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): It is noted that unlike other recent regional storage auctions (such as the Bihar BESS), this project does not include VGF support.
• Land and Resource Terms: CESC provides the project site at NCGS on a limited, revocable, and non-exclusive “Right-to-Use” basis. CESC serves as the off-taker and provider of the charging power, while ABCI Infrastructures is responsible for the full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) scope and subsequent 12 years of Operation and Maintenance (O&M).

Implementation Scope and Timeline

The developer’s responsibilities encompass the comprehensive design, engineering, and commissioning of the BESS.

• Commissioning Timeline: The system must be commissioned within 18 months from the effective date of the agreement.
• Grid Integration Specifications: Integration into the Kolkata grid requires laying two circuits of 33 kV XLPE AL cables (minimum 25 MVA per circuit) to a 33 kV Double Busbar (DBB) Siemens Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) of the inner cone type at the New Cossipore Substation (NCSS).
• Civil Infrastructure: The developer is responsible for land development and the construction of a permanent boundary wall. This wall must be constructed using masonry within a reinforced concrete (RCC) frame, reaching a minimum height of 1.8 meters above finished ground level, topped with 450 dia concertina loops to prevent unauthorized access.

Regional Context and Significance

This project represents the first standalone BESS facility in Eastern India. CESC intends to utilize the 80 MWh of storage capacity for demand-side management, specifically to balance peak and off-peak demand fluctuations within the Kolkata municipal grid.

Winning Bidder Profile: ABCI Infrastructures

ABCI Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Maxxom Vyapaar Pvt Ltd) was incorporated in 1993 and is currently managed by Mr. Budhmal Baid and Mr. Jodhraj Baid.

• Strategic Diversification: While the company has a 30-year history focused on civil infrastructure (roads, bridges, and tunnels) in Northeast India, this project represents a strategic move to mitigate geographical concentration risks and diversify revenue streams. In 2002, the company significantly expanded its operational base by taking over Anupam Bricks and Concrete Industries.
• Financial and Credit Standing: As of April 2024, CRISIL reaffirmed the company’s rating at ‘CRISIL A/Stable/CRISIL A1’. The rated amount for bank debt was enhanced to Rs 827 Crore. The company maintains a strong order book exceeding Rs 3,750 crore as of early 2024.
• Risk Factors: Analysts note that while the company has a strong project execution record, current credit risk sensitivities include the potential impact of an ongoing CBI investigation. Any adverse outcome from this investigation is cited by rating agencies as a factor that could impact the developer’s future credit risk profile.