Smart Grid project delayed as tender process extended twice

The Smart Grid project, aimed at providing uninterrupted power supply in Gurgaon, is getting delayed as the tender process for the first subdivision under the first phase has been postponed twice.

The Smart Grid project, aimed at providing uninterrupted power supply in Gurgaon, is getting delayed as the tender process for the first subdivision under the first phase has been postponed twice.

The Smart Grid project will improve the ageing power infrastructure in Gurgaon and ensure 24-hour supply to the city that is notorious for outages. (Parveen Kumar/ht file photo)

Tenders were to be opened on July 22 but the date was extended to August 17 and now postponed till September 28.

Sources said the main reason for extending the dates is slack response from bidders. Authorities are expecting at least six to eight top bidders for the ambitious project. As the number of interested companies is less, the dates are being extended.

Besides, hurdles in getting land for setting up two substations in DLF Phase 1 and DLF Phase 3 is leading to delay in the project, sources said.

Power distribution companies Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited are jointly taking up the project.

“It is a big project involving multiple functionalities. We expect top class companies with good experience to establish the Smart Grid so that it sets an example in the country,” a senior official of the DHBVN said.

Sources said funding for the project from Power Finance Corporation of India is also stuck in official procedure and it is also adding to the delay.

The ageing power infrastructure in the city will be upgraded under the project with the aim of providing 24-hour power supply. The government has set a target of starting construction of the first subdivision by December.

The first phase will cover sectors 1 to 57, second phase sectors 58 to 115, and third phase will cover industrial area of IMT Manesar.