NHPC Invites Bids For Jalaun Solar Park Evacuation Works

The scope of work includes the construction of 400 kV/33 kV Pooling Sub-Station–1 and Pooling Sub-Station–2, covering Parts A and B, along with internal and external 400 kV transmission lines. The contract also involves the installation of extra-high voltage and high-voltage equipment for solar power pooling, implementation of a park-level control and monitoring system, and execution of all associated electrical, mechanical, civil and structural works. In addition, the successful bidder will be responsible for comprehensive operation and maintenance of the entire system for a period of three years.

The estimated project cost has been pegged at Rs 6.14 billion. Bidders are required to furnish an earnest money deposit of Rs 61 million and pay a non-refundable tender fee of Rs 20,000. The project is scheduled to be completed within 16 months from the date of award.

According to NHPC, bid documents will be available for download on the Central Public Procurement Portal until February 16, 2026. Online submission of bids will close on the same date, while offline submission of the tender fee, bid security and supporting documents must be completed by February 19, 2026. Technical bids are scheduled to be opened on February 20, 2026, with the opening date for financial bids to be announced separately.

To be eligible, bidders must demonstrate experience in executing large-scale electrical infrastructure projects over the past 20 years. This includes completion of either one project valued at not less than Rs 4.91 billion, or two projects of at least Rs 3.07 billion each, or three projects of at least Rs 2.46 billion each, involving substations and or transmission lines. Bidders must also have executed pooling substations with a minimum of two 400 kV or higher GIS or AIS bays, along with transmission lines of at least 20 km cumulative length at 400 kV or above, supported by performance certificates covering a minimum of two years of operation.

Financial eligibility criteria require bidders to report an average annual turnover of at least Rs 4.89 billion during the immediately preceding two financial years. They must also have recorded a positive net worth in at least two of the last three financial years, including the most recent year, and maintain minimum working capital of Rs 770 million. In addition, the available bid capacity must be equal to or greater than the estimated project cost of Rs 6.14 billion, calculated as per the prescribed formula based on past execution, project duration and existing commitments.

Joint venture participation is permitted with a maximum of two partners, with the lead partner required to hold at least a 50 per cent equity stake. Sub-contracting is allowed only for specific experience components, limited to one sub-contractor, who must submit a separate performance guarantee. Companies formed through mergers or acquisitions may rely on the experience of predecessor entities, while subsidiaries may qualify based on the credentials of their parent companies, subject to the provision of guarantees and additional performance security.

NHPC has also mandated compliance with the Government of India’s Public Procurement (Make in India) Order, requiring bidders to submit certification of minimum local content. Firms undergoing insolvency proceedings, or those that have been blacklisted or debarred under government guidelines, are not eligible to participate. An Integrity Pact is compulsory for all bidders and will be overseen by Independent External Monitors appointed by NHPC.