The Government of Maharashtra has initiated a major infrastructure step to support renewable energy development by launching the bidding process for a transmission project aimed at evacuating 7 GW of solar power from the Dharashiv and Beed districts. The project, titled “Network Expansion Scheme in Maharashtra for Evacuation of RE Power from Dharashiv,” will play a critical role in strengthening the intra-state transmission system. PFC Consulting Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation, has been appointed as the Bid Process Coordinator (BPC) via a government resolution dated February 12, 2025.

To facilitate the development of this large-scale renewable energy evacuation network, PFC Consulting issued the official Request for Proposal (RFP) document on May 30, 2025. The RFP is part of a single-stage, tariff-based competitive bidding process for selecting a Transmission Service Provider (TSP). The selected bidder will be responsible for owning, operating, and eventually transferring the project infrastructure after 35 years from commissioning, at zero cost.

The proposed transmission infrastructure includes the establishment of a 400 kV pooling substation at Washi with multiple transformers and reactors, alongside extensive 400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV transmission lines connecting it to Pune (East), Manjarsumba, Paranda, and Kalamb. The substation will have future space provisions for 16 additional bays to integrate solar generators—8 bays each at 220 kV and 132 kV levels. All construction, operation, and maintenance responsibilities will fall under the scope of the selected TSP.

According to the planning documents, around 7 GW of solar capacity is expected to be developed in the Aurangabad and Osmanabad zones. AIS Washi is centrally located relative to Patoda, Paranda, Bhoom, and Kalamb—regions rich in renewable energy resources—making it a strategic point for solar power pooling and grid integration.

The bidding process follows guidelines issued under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and will be conducted online via an electronic platform. Bidders must submit technical and financial bids by August 1, 2025. The selected bidder will also acquire 100% equity in NES Dharashiv Transmission Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed for this project.

Interested parties can purchase the RFP document between May 30 and July 31, 2025, by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹5,00,000 or USD 7,000 plus 18% GST. A pre-award integrity pact and bid bond worth ₹11.14 crore are also mandatory for participation.

This project marks a significant advancement in Maharashtra’s renewable energy roadmap, enabling the state to effectively handle increasing solar power generation and deliver it to load centers like Pune and Mumbai. Once completed, the transmission infrastructure is expected to reduce bottlenecks, ensure grid reliability, and support India’s broader renewable energy goals.