DUSHANBE, March 20, 2009, Asia-Plus — Indian companies The KEC International Ltd (KEC) and The RPG Transmission LTD have begun preparatory work for construction of a 220 kilovolt double circuit transmission line from the Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power plant (HPP) in southern Tajikistan to the Afghan town of Pul-i Khumri Afghan, according to Barqi Tojik [Tajik Electricity] power holding.
The source at Barqi Tojik said that preparatory work was being carried out both in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. “The Indian specialists are currently determining places for erection of the power transmission line tower,” the source said that, noting that the length the power transmission line from the Sangtuda-1 HPP to the Afghan border is more than 100 kilometers.
Construction of the power grid from the Sangtuda-1 station to Pul-i Khumri is expected to be finished in the first half-year of 2010.
We will recall that KEC and the RPG Transmission LTD won a tender for construction of this power transmission line in December 2008. The tender was announced by a center for supervising energy projects jointly with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to the project, the Indian companies will construct 118-kilometer electricity transmission line from the Sangtuda-1 station to the Afghan town of Pul-i Khumri. The cost of the project is 19 million US dollars and the ADB and m dollars. The Asian Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development allocates money [for this project. This power line is essential for Tajikistan, because after putting into operation the Sangtuda-1 and Sangtuda-2 hydroelectric power stations, electricity output will increase in the summer period and surplus electricity might be exported to the South Asian countries.
As it had been reported earlier, press release issued by KEC on December 2008 noted that order from Barqi Tojik is a turnkey project for the supply and construction of 220 kV double circuit lines associated with the Tajikistan-Afghanistan Interconnection Project for the Tajikistan Portion. The lines are to be constructed from Karadum to Vatz (89.37 km) and from Vatz to Sangtuda (28.29 km). The contract also involves construction of additional 2 X 220 KV Line Bays at the Sangtuda Switchyard. The total length of lines is 118 km and the project is scheduled to be completed in 18 months.
KEC International is one of the largest Power Transmission EPC companies in the world. It has helped transmit power to various countries across the world.
RPG Transmission Limited engages in the design, development, production, testing, and erection of power transmission line towers, microwave towers, sub-station structures, and railway electric traction structures. It primarily serves electricity boards and telecom sector customers. The company was incorporated in 1951 and is based in Gurgaon, India. RPG Transmission Limited is a part of RPG Enterprises, which one of India”s largest industrial conglomerates. With over 20 companies in its fold, the group has a strong presence in 8 business sectors.
