MSRDC reissues tender for solar power project for Samruddhi Mahamarg after getting poor response – EQ
In Short : MSRDC has reissued a tender for a solar power project along the Samruddhi Mahamarg due to an initial poor response. The project aims to enhance the expressway’s sustainability by integrating renewable energy solutions.
In Detail : The MSRDC, through its special purpose vehicle—Mahasamruddhi Renewable Energy Limited— plans to implement green energy by setting up solar power plants at interchanges along the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has reissued two separate tenders for a solar power project along the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
An MSRDC official said reissuing the tender was necessary as the previous tender did not receive a favorable response, and restrictions on account of Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Legislative Council elections in four constituencies prevented its recall earlier.
With poll restrictions now lifted, the tenders have been reissued, said the official.
The MSRDC, through its special purpose vehicle—Mahasamruddhi Renewable Energy Limited— plans to implement green energy by setting up solar power plants at interchanges along the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Additionally, the Government of India aims to achieve net zero emission target by 2070.
Consequently, the MREL/MSRDC is planning to develop wind, solar, and hybrid projects along the Samruddhi Mahamarg in Maharashtra. They seek to engage firms for feasibility studies, preparation of detailed project reports (DPR), bid process management, carbon credit trading, and project management consultancy services for these projects.
Furthermore, the MSRDC is looking for a consultant to conduct a peer review study of the available DPR, considering changes in technology, commercial, and national/state policies. This consultant will also manage the bid process for appointing contractors for the solar power projects based on the revised DPR and oversee carbon credit trading and project management consultancy work.
In 2021, the MSRDC conducted a DPR for a solar power project at Samruddhi Mahamarg’s interchanges.
The proposed project aims to generate 150 to 200 megawatts of solar power, which will not only illuminate the Samruddhi Mahamarg but also other existing and upcoming highways developed by the MSRDC. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce monthly power bills, currently ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for each interchange open for traffic on Samruddhi Mahamarg, along with savings at tunnels on the upcoming Missing Link Expressway.
Additionally, the MSRDC wants to understand its captive power consumption so that the solar power generated can be utilized at various MSRDC offices in Mumbai, including Nepean Sea Road and Bandra Reclamation, as well as in Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad, among other locations.
This green energy initiative will also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and transforming the Samruddhi Mahamarg into a green corridor.
