REMC Limited (REMCL), the nodal agency for Indian Railways’ green energy transition, has issued a strategic tender for the development of a hybrid solar-plus-storage facility at Dahod, Gujarat. This project represents a significant shift in the commercial architecture of railway power procurement, moving beyond simple generation to integrated reliability. As a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways (49%) and RITES Ltd. (51%), REMCL is leveraging its robust financial standing—evidenced by a total income of ₹140.47 crore in FY2024-25—to spearhead this high-stakes infrastructure deployment.
Project Specifications and Site Logistics
The project is strategically sited on vacant railway land in Dahod, Gujarat. By utilizing the Inter-State Transmission System (InSTS), the project ensures that green power can be evacuated and utilized for traction requirements across various Zonal Railways, providing flexibility in managing the Railways’ massive energy load.
| Specification | Details |
| Solar Capacity (MW) | 17 MW |
| BESS Power Capacity (MW) | 12.5 MW |
| BESS Energy Capacity (MWh) | 50 MWh |
| BESS Technical Standard | Minimum 2-hour discharge capability |
| Geographical Location | Dahod, Gujarat (Vacant Railway Land) |
| Connectivity | Inter-State Transmission System (InSTS) |
Execution Framework and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
The project follows a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) / Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, ensuring that long-term operational risks remain with the developer while providing the Railways with cost-predictable power.
The deal is anchored by two critical pillars:
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A 25-year tenure with Indian Railways, offering developers long-term revenue visibility and a stable sovereign-backed counterparty.
- Land Use Permission Agreement (LUPA): REMCL facilitates the lease of vacant railway land to the developer. This mechanism is vital for mitigating land acquisition risk—historically the primary bottleneck for Indian solar infrastructure—by utilizing existing strategic assets.
Developer Scope of Work and Mandatory Responsibilities
The successful bidder is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, emphasizing performance-based outcomes to mitigate intermittency.
- Engineering and Finance: Complete design, financing, and construction of the 17 MW solar PV and 12.5 MW/50 MWh BESS (featuring the mandated 2-hour discharge capability).
- Infrastructure: Construction of all associated transmission infrastructure required to connect the plant up to the designated delivery point.
- Regulatory Compliance: Securing grid connectivity, environmental clearances, and all necessary statutory permits.
- Operations and Shortfalls: Long-term O&M of the plant. Developers face liabilities for generation shortfalls, including penalties through proportionate encashment of performance securities.
- Performance Metrics: Maintaining the mandated annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) and ensuring peak-hour power supply via the BESS.
- High-Stakes Timelines: Delays exceeding six months beyond the scheduled commissioning date may lead to the termination of the remaining project capacity.
Bidding Procedural Mechanics
Selection is governed by a tariff-based competitive bidding process designed to maximize cost efficiencies:
- Format: A single-stage, two-envelope e-tender (Techno-commercial and Financial).
- E-Reverse Auction: Following initial evaluations, a reverse auction will be utilized to determine the final, most competitive tariff.
- Bid Validity: Bids must remain valid for 180 days from the offline submission deadline.
Financial Requirements and Tender Fees
The financial commitments required underscore the scale of the Dahod project and the necessity for well-capitalized developers.
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Document Fee | ₹50,000 + GST (Non-refundable) |
| Bid Processing Fee | ₹3.40 lakh + GST |
| Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) | ₹16.24 lakh per MW |
| Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) | ₹40.60 lakh per MW |
| PBG Validity Period | Must remain valid until 9 months after the Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD) |
Project Timeline and Key Deadlines
The Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) serves as the starting clock for all preliminary administrative milestones.
- Pre-Bid Meeting: Day 15 following the NIT.
- Coordinated Site Visit: Day 22 following the NIT.
- Bid Submission Deadline: August 18, 2026.
- Technical Bid Opening: August 20, 2026.
- Financial Closure: Must be achieved at least six months prior to the scheduled commissioning date.
- Commissioning Timeline: Completion within 18 months from the effective date of the PPA.
Institutional Context: REMCL and Indian Railways
As the dedicated Nodal Agency, REMCL is responsible for the planning, tendering, and implementation of the Railways’ renewable portfolio. This 17 MW project is a tactical step toward a much larger strategic horizon. Indian Railways currently manages approximately 60 Billion Units (BUs) of Traction Energy, with a target to source 30 GW of renewable power by 2030.
The ultimate goal is for the network to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter for Scope II emissions by 2030. To achieve this while maintaining grid stability, the Ministry of Power has mandated a minimum 10% co-located energy storage for new solar tenders. By incorporating a BESS with a 2-hour discharge capability, the Dahod project directly addresses the challenge of mitigating solar intermittency, ensuring that the transition to clean power does not compromise the operational reliability of the world’s fourth-largest rail network.
The official link to access the tender details and bidding information for the 17 MW Solar and 12.5 MW/50 MWh Battery Storage project at Dahod is available on the REMC Limited official website:
Official Tender Portal: https://www.remcltd.com/New-Tenders
Tender Reference Details
To find this specific bidding opportunity on the portal, use the following details:
- Tender ID/Reference Number: REMCL/CO/BESS/2026-27/Dahod
- Bid Submission Deadline: 18 August 2026
- Technical Bid Opening Date: 20 August 2026
Interested developers are required to pay a non-refundable document fee of ₹50,000 plus GST and a bid processing fee of ₹3.40 lakh plus GST to participate in the process.
Official Sources & References
- REMC Limited Official Website: https://www.remcltd.com
- Official Tender Portal (New Tenders): https://www.remcltd.com/New-Tenders
- REMC Limited Project Portfolio (Solar): https://www.remcltd.com/Renewable-Energy-Resource
- REMCL Corporate Brochure: Download PDF
- Standard Power Purchase Agreement (RTC/RE Power): Official Document Link
Note on Citations: These sources are the official project implementers and governing bodies (REMC Limited, a JV of the Ministry of Railways and RITES Ltd.) responsible for the Dahod tender.
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