Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) had floated the global tender for the INR10bn ($163m) project in two phases February and earlier this month, Business Standard reports.
Odisha energy secretary said, "The tenders were floated recently. We hope to award the contract within 3-4 months, probably by June."
The project includes installation of 33Kv and 11Kv gas insulated substations with supervising control and data acquisition (SCADA) facility, as well as underground cabling of 132Kv power line of 54km, 33Kv and 11Kv power lines of 300km.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to grant a loan of INR6.5bn ($106m), while the remaining INR3.5bn ($57m) will be borne by the state government.
Scheduled to be implemented under the name, Odisha Power Sector Emergency Assistance Project, the smart grid project represents the second such project in the country after Pondicherry.
In addition to Ganjam, the Odhisa government plans to establish similar facility in capital region area, and is soon expected to appoint a consultant to prepare a roadmap in this regard, according to the news agency.
