Ministry of Power Notifies Two Transmission Schemes Under TBCB in 2026

The Ministry of Power has notified two electricity transmission schemes under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) framework through Notification S.O. 5792(E), dated 26 October 2026. The projects cover expansion of the Dharamjaigarh substation and synchronous condenser installations at Ramgarh and Bhadla-III. The notification specifies technical requirements, implementation periods and Right of Way provisions.

Introduction

The Ministry of Power has notified two electricity transmission schemes under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) framework through Notification S.O. 5792(E), issued on 26 October 2026 and published in the Gazette of India on 27 October 2026.

The circular is based on recommendations from the 43rd meeting of the National Committee on Transmission. The recommendations pertain to increasing the power transformation capacity of the 765/400 kV Dharamjaigarh Substation and installing synchronous condensers at the Ramgarh and Bhadla-III Substations in the Northern Region Grid.

The notification follows recommendations made at the 43rd meeting of the National Committee on Transmission. It covers expanding transformation capacity at the 765/400 kV Dharamjaigarh substation and installing synchronous condensers at the Ramgarh and Bhadla-III substations in the Northern Region Grid.

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) has been assigned as the Bid Process Coordinator for both projects. The notification also specifies project implementation periods, technical infrastructure requirements, Right of Way (RoW) optimisation measures, and conditions for transmission route validation.

These Ministry of Power transmission schemes 2026 are particularly relevant to transmission developers, engineering contractors and electrical equipment suppliers. However, the notification does not introduce a new registration or licensing requirement for all electricity-sector businesses.

Notification at a Glance

The notification identifies the transmission projects selected for implementation through the TBCB framework and sets out their technical scope and implementation arrangements.

The notification concerns the development of identified transmission infrastructure. It does not prescribe a separate application process, government fee or general compliance deadline for private businesses.

Regulatory Framework

This notification has been made in accordance with the norms laid down under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The relevant section pertains to tariffs of electricity which have been established after the process of competitive bidding. Under Section 63, the appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commission adopts a tariff determined through such a bidding process when the statutory conditions are satisfied. 

Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB)

Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding is a framework used to select developers for certain electricity transmission projects through competition.

Instead of allocating a project solely through direct nomination, eligible bidders compete under the applicable bidding documents and guidelines. The selected Transmission Service Provider undertakes the responsibilities set out in the relevant contractual framework. The bidding process is governed by Ministry of Power guidelines and applicable project-specific tender documents. 

Role of the National Committee on Transmission

The National Committee on Transmission considers matters relating to transmission system planning and development. The Ministry of Power's notification specifically refers to recommendations from the Committee's 43rd meeting. Based on those recommendations, the Central Government has identified two schemes for implementation under the TBCB framework.

What Has Been Notified by the Ministry of Power?

The Ministry of Power has notified two separate transmission schemes with different technical purposes.

Dharamjaigarh Substation Capacity Augmentation

The first scheme increases the transformation capacity of the existing Dharamjaigarh 765/400 kV substation by installing three 1500 MVA Interconnecting Transformers (ICTs).

The work also includes creating Bus Section-B and installing the necessary associated equipment. The scheme provides two additional 400 kV line bays associated with Korba Power Limited's 1600 MW thermal power station.

Synchronous Condenser Installations at Ramgarh and Bhadla-III

The second scheme addresses the need for dynamic compensation in the Northern Region Grid. It provides for synchronous condenser installations at the Ramgarh and Bhadla-III substations.

Synchronous condensers are used to support voltage control and provide reactive power to the electricity network. They can absorb or supply reactive power based on system conditions, helping support transmission system operations. Both schemes form part of the notified transmission infrastructure programme, although their technical objectives differ.

Key Transmission Projects Notified by the Ministry of Power

Dharamjaigarh 765/400 kV Substation Capacity Augmentation

The Dharamjaigarh project focuses on increasing the substation's ability to transfer electricity between different voltage levels. The notified work includes creating a new 400 kV Bus Section-B and installing three 765/400 kV ICTs, each rated at 1500 MVA.

Associated 765 kV and 400 kV bays, switching equipment, and a bus reactor will support these transformers. The notification also covers installing two 400 kV line bays for connectivity associated with Korba Power Limited's 1600 MW thermal power station.

The specified connectivity application number is 2200001692. According to the notification, POWERGRID will provide the required space for the stated work at no cost. The source also specifies using an existing 500 MVA spare transformer unit.

Ramgarh and Bhadla-III Synchronous Condenser Projects

The second scheme involves installing synchronous condensers at two Northern Region Grid substations. Each substation will receive two synchronous condenser units and two associated 400 kV bays.

These installations are designed to provide dynamic reactive-power support and contribute short-circuit strength at the specified connection point. Unlike conventional electricity generators, synchronous condensers are not installed primarily to produce electricity for consumers. Their main purpose is to support the transmission network electrically.

The notification specifies the minimum technical performance parameters required for each unit. These projects could also require specialised electrical equipment, installation work and technical services, depending on the procurement arrangements adopted during implementation.

Technical Specifications and Capacity of the Notified Transmission Projects

The notification provides detailed specifications for both transmission schemes. These include transformer capacity, high-voltage equipment, switching arrangements and the reactive-power support required at the Northern Region substations.

Dharamjaigarh Substation Technical Specifications

The Dharamjaigarh project expands an existing 765/400 kV substation with additional transformation and switching facilities.

These additions are intended to increase the substation's transformation capacity and provide the switching arrangements needed for the notified expansion.

The Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) bays use gas-insulated equipment, while Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) uses air as its primary insulating medium. The notification specifies both technologies for different parts of the project.

Technical Specifications for Ramgarh and Bhadla-III

The second scheme provides for synchronous condensers at the 400 kV level of the Ramgarh and Bhadla-III substations.

The reactive-power support values indicate each synchronous condenser's ability to supply or absorb reactive power. The short-circuit contribution describes the unit's specified contribution to electrical fault strength at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC).

These parameters matter because voltage support and system strength are important considerations in a high-voltage transmission network.

The stated figures are technical requirements, not electricity-generation targets or guaranteed improvements in overall grid performance.

Implementation Timeline for the New Transmission Schemes

The Ministry of Power has set a 30-month implementation period for each notified scheme. However, the notification describes the starting condition differently.

Dharamjaigarh Project Timeline

The Dharamjaigarh project must be executed within 30 months of the SPV transfer.

SPV means a special purpose vehicle, an independent company set up specifically for a project. In TBCB's case, the SPV will be transferred to the successful bidder. The notification does not provide the actual SPV transfer date. Therefore, the notification alone does not allow a fixed project completion date to be calculated.

Ramgarh and Bhadla-III Project Timeline

For the synchronous condenser scheme, the notification specifies a 30-month implementation timeframe. It does not expressly identify the event from which those 30 months must be counted. Any definitive completion date should therefore be checked against the applicable bidding or project implementation documents.

These timelines concern project execution. They are not compliance filing deadlines for all electricity businesses.

Role of RECPDCL as Bid Process Coordinator

The Ministry of Power has designated REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) as the Bid Process Coordinator for both transmission schemes.

A Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) manages the bidding process in accordance with applicable TBCB guidelines and bidding documents. The BPC's role generally involves coordinating the competitive selection process through which a Transmission Service Provider is chosen.

For the two notified schemes, RECPDCL's appointment is subject to the relevant Ministry of Power guidelines, including amendments made from time to time. This distinction matters for developers interested in participating in transmission infrastructure projects. The project notification identifies the BPC, but it does not itself provide a complete tender schedule, bidder eligibility conditions or submission requirements.

Businesses interested in the projects should refer to the relevant bidding documents when issued, rather than treating the Gazette notification as an invitation to submit bids.

Right of Way (RoW) Requirements for Transmission Infrastructure

Right of Way (RoW) is an important consideration when planning electricity transmission infrastructure. It concerns the land corridor needed for transmission lines and their safe operation.

The notification includes several directions for optimising RoW requirements during implementation of the notified schemes.

RoW Optimisation Under CEA Guidelines

The Ministry of Power has directed the Bid Process Coordinators to ensure RoW optimisation in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Committee report dated 24 September 2024.

The report concerns reducing RoW width through technological options. For transmission projects, RoW planning can influence tower design, route selection, land-use requirements and construction arrangements.

The notification refers to the CEA report but does not reproduce a complete table of reduced RoW widths. Specific numerical reductions should therefore not be assumed from this notification alone.

Use of Monopole Towers in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas

The notification provides for the adoption of 400 kV monopole tower structures, insulated cross arms and other corridor optimisation measures in urban and semi-urban areas. Monopole towers use a single supporting structure rather than a conventional lattice tower arrangement.

They may be useful in locations where space limitations make traditional tower arrangements more difficult. The notification further specifies that 400 kV monopole structures should be used where RoW-related difficulties are anticipated, while lattice towers should be used in other sections. The appropriate design must therefore be selected based on the project route and applicable technical requirements.

Transmission Route Planning in Forest and Hilly Areas

The notification also calls for additional RoW optimisation measures in forest and hilly areas beyond using monopole towers. Such locations may present different engineering and land-use challenges because of terrain, access conditions and existing land constraints. Transmission developers and technical contractors should account for these factors during route planning and project design.

However, the notification does not exempt any applicable forest, wildlife, environmental or land-related permissions. Developers must assess these requirements separately under the relevant laws.

Role of PM Gati Shakti Portal in Transmission Route Planning

The notification specifies that transmission routes should be finalised after validation through the PM Gati Shakti portal and a physical survey. PM Gati Shakti is an infrastructure planning initiative that supports coordination and analysis of infrastructure-related information.

For the notified projects, portal-based validation is intended to form part of the route-planning process. A physical survey remains important because on-site conditions may require further examination before an alignment is finalised.

These checks can help planners consider existing infrastructure, geographical constraints and the practical requirements of construction. The notification does not state that PM Gati Shakti validation replaces statutory approvals or permits. Any applicable land-use, environmental, forest or other permissions must be considered separately.

Impact on Power Transmission Companies and Infrastructure Developers

The notified schemes are relevant to several businesses involved in developing, constructing and supplying high-voltage transmission infrastructure. The impact will depend on each business's nature and whether it becomes involved in the projects.

Power Transmission Developers

Transmission developers may be interested in the notified projects because they are proposed for implementation under the TBCB framework. Interested developers should follow the official bidding process and assess the applicable technical, financial and contractual requirements when bidding documents become available. This notification does not automatically establish eligibility for any particular developer.

Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contractors

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors may find the Dharamjaigarh project scope commercially relevant. The work includes high-voltage transformer installations, associated switching equipment and substation infrastructure.

Contractors involved in electrical engineering, equipment installation, civil works and commissioning may need to evaluate whether their capabilities match future procurement requirements. However, the Gazette notification does not directly award EPC contracts or announce subcontracting opportunities.

Electrical Equipment Manufacturers

The notified technical scope is relevant to manufacturers and suppliers of electrical equipment such as:

• High-voltage power transformers.
• Gas-insulated switchgear.
• Air-insulated switchgear.
• Bus reactors.
• Synchronous condensers.
• Associated protection and switching equipment.

Manufacturers considering participation should review future technical procurement specifications and determine which applicable standards or product-specific requirements must be met. The notification itself does not introduce a new BIS certification requirement for these product categories.

Infrastructure Planning and Technical Consultants

Technical consultants involved in substation engineering, transmission planning and infrastructure surveys may also be interested in these schemes. The projects involve specific engineering requirements, including equipment arrangements, RoW optimisation and route validation. Consultants should distinguish technical requirements stated in the notification from additional conditions that may appear in later project documents.

Business Opportunities for Power Infrastructure and Equipment Suppliers

The two notified transmission schemes identify substantial technical work involving transformers, switching facilities and synchronous condensers. This creates a defined project scope that may be commercially relevant to infrastructure developers, equipment manufacturers and specialised service providers.

Potential areas of interest include high-voltage transformer supply, GIS equipment, synchronous condenser systems, electrical engineering, substation construction, installation, testing and commissioning. The Dharamjaigarh scheme includes three 1500 MVA ICTs and supporting infrastructure. The Northern Region scheme includes four synchronous condenser units across two substations.

These specifications help relevant suppliers understand the types of equipment contemplated under the projects. However, the notification does not disclose the total project investment, procurement value or contract opportunities available to individual businesses.

Companies should assess opportunities through official bidding and procurement announcements rather than assuming that the notification confirms an open tender or a guaranteed commercial opportunity.

What Businesses Should Do Next

Businesses working in electricity transmission, infrastructure development and electrical equipment supply can use the notification to understand the planned scope of the two schemes. The following steps are practical recommendations, not new statutory filing obligations introduced by S.O. 5792(E).

1. Review the Official Notification: Examine the scope of work, specified equipment and implementation conditions to determine whether the projects are relevant to the business.

2. Monitor RECPDCL Bidding Announcements: Interested transmission developers should follow official announcements for project-specific bidding documents and participation requirements.

3. Assess Technical Capabilities: Equipment suppliers and contractors should compare their products, services and technical capabilities with the notified specifications.

4.Review Applicable Regulatory Requirements: Businesses undertaking actual project activities should identify the permissions that apply to their specific work, location and operations. These must be determined under the relevant laws rather than presumed from this notification.

5. Implementation Plan for RoW and Related Issues: Participants involved in the project should understand the terms used in the notification related to CEA RoW optimization and validation by PM Gatishakti.

6.Follow Implementation Updates: Watch out for developments in the official project information regarding the bidding process, SPV transfer, and other related issues.

Taking these steps can help businesses make informed project decisions without treating a project notification as a new general compliance framework.

How Corpseed Can Help

Power transmission and other electricity infrastructure projects may involve regulatory requirements beyond the technical conditions specified in a project notification.

Depending on the activities involved, project location and applicable laws, businesses may need to examine environmental permissions, pollution-control requirements or other project-specific approvals. Corpseed provides environmental and regulatory consultancy services to help businesses assess applicable requirements.

Relevant services include:

• Environmental Clearance Consultancy: Assistance with environmental clearance applicability, documentation and applications for projects that fall within the applicable clearance framework.
• Environmental Compliance Support: Guidance on environmental requirements relevant to the business's activities.
• Regulatory Applicability Assessment: Assistance in understanding which environmental and related regulatory requirements may apply to a proposed project.
• Documentation Support: Assistance with applicable environmental approval documentation and submission procedures.

Businesses can explore Corpseed's Environmental Clearance and Environmental Consultancy services to learn more about the support available. Assess each project individually. The Ministry of Power's notification does not automatically require environmental clearance for every contractor or equipment supplier associated with these schemes.

Planning a Power Infrastructure Project? Connect with Corpseed to understand the environmental and project-related regulatory requirements that may apply to your activities.

Key Takeaways

The Ministry of Power's Notification S.O. 5792(E), dated 26 October 2026, identifies two transmission schemes for implementation under the TBCB framework.

The first involves increasing transformation capacity at the Dharamjaigarh 765/400 kV substation, while the second provides for synchronous condenser installations at Ramgarh and Bhadla-III.

RECPDCL has been designated as Bid Process Coordinator for both schemes. The notification also specifies implementation periods, technical requirements, RoW optimisation measures and route validation conditions.

Transmission developers, contractors and equipment suppliers should examine the notified scope and monitor relevant project announcements. The notification does not introduce a general registration or compliance filing requirement for electricity-sector businesses.