Prayagraj Division of North Central Railways has invited bids for state-wise empanelment of agencies to implement grid-connected rooftop solar projects of 5.525 MW capacity at its yards and workshops through public-private partnership and on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis.

The projects would be developed in two capacity ranges— above 10 kW and up to 100 kW, and above 100 kW and up to 500 kW. Bidders can quote for one or both capacities.

The projects must be commissioned within 240 days of receiving the work order. The developers must also provide comprehensive operation and maintenance services for 25 years.

The last day to submit bids is November 21, 2023. Bids will be opened on the same day.

Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹1.07 million (~$12,851)/ MW of the quoted capacity.

The selected bidders must submit a performance security of ₹1.6 million (~$19,217)/ MW within 30 days of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA).

The empanelment will be valid for one year, with the possibility of an extension for another year based on the developer’s performance and requests from zonal railways.

The generated solar power will be utilized solely by the Indian Railways through the net metering system.

The projects are to be developed at the divisions/workshops located at Agra (856 kW) Jhansi (3422 kW), CLMR (300 kW), RCNK (800 kW), and Prayagraj (138 kW).

Bidders must have experience installing a minimum aggregate 200 kW capacity of grid-connected solar rooftop systems as a developer or engineering procurement and construction (EPC) company.

Those with experience in installing and commissioning a minimum aggregate 1 MW capacity of any grid-connected systems as a developer or an EPC contractor in any sector such as residential, social, industrial, commercial, government, or any other client can also submit bids.

They must have had an average annual turnover of ₹15 million (~$180,160) during the last three years. They should also have had a positive net worth in all the last three financial years.

The successful bidder must enter into a 25-year PPA with the Railways after receiving the letter of award, which may also need to be signed at a divisional level if required by the public utilities or Zonal Railways.

The projects developed under the tender will not include any central financial assistance.

Railways has mandated using domestically manufactured modules listed on the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

In July, North Central Railways invited bids for state-wise empanelment of agencies to implement grid-connected rooftop solar power projects of 5.525 MW capacity.

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