NLC India Tenders for 1,850-Acre Land Package for Grid-Linked Solar Project

NLC India Limited, Neyveli, on behalf of NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), has issued a tender to arrange 1,850 acres of land to develop an inter-state (ISTS) connected solar power project. It has sought bids to develop this project by December 23, 2025.

NIRL tender requires the bidder to undertake EHV transmission line and land fencing, and carry out the entire scope of work for the arrangement of land and the development of power evacuation.

The company would be responsible for arranging 1,850 acres of government or private land. The project can be developed on a freehold or leasehold basis in any of the following states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana for the development of the solar project.

Scope of work

NIRL, under the scope of work, requires the company to take up the power evacuation package and arrange connectivity for the development of the ISTS-connected solar PV project. 

The tender accepts the transfer of government or private land through leasehold, freehold, or a combination of both after considering the following:

• Minimum average solar irradiation level of 1,850 kWh/m²

• In case of leased land, the lease period shall be a minimum of 29 years and 11 months

• Land shall have a clear title and be free from encroachments, litigation, encumbrances, disputes, etc.

• Land shall be suitable for setting up a solar project

Additionally, multiple land parcels can be accepted, subject to a minimum single parcel of 400 acres or more, and all the offered land parcels shall be within 50 km of the CTUIL station.

Connectivity Requirement

The tender places the onus on the bidder to arrange ISTS connectivity for the project under the Land BG Route of the GNA Regulation. The bidder must also secure a bank guarantee of ₹10 lakh/MW in place of ownership, lease rights, or land-use rights for 50% of the land required for the capacity for which connectivity is sought.

NIRL would pay the connectivity charges, including the land bank guarantee and other bank guarantees required for applying for connectivity for the first time. It also means that NIRL would not be liable if connectivity is not granted by CTU for any reason (such as non-availability of margin or capacity at the substation identified by the bidder).

The tender explained that the bidder would compensate NIRL if any financial implications (such as land BG or connectivity BG encashment) arise due to the non-arrangement of land.