Adani Energy Solutions Ltd has successfully commissioned the Warora Kurnool Transmission line, covering 1,756 circuit kms across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
This project is set to fortify the national power grid, enabling a smooth transmission of 4,500 MW of electricity between the western and southern regions.
It will improve the resilience of the southern region's grid and facilitate the extensive integration of power generated from renewable sources.
Warora Kurnool Transmission Limited (WKTL) was established in April 2015 to create an extra inter-regional alternating current link for power transfer into the southern region – Warora-Warangal and Chilakaluripeta-Hyderabad-Kurnool.
This also includes the establishment of a 765/400 kV sub-station in Warangal.
WKTL is the most extensive 765 kV D/C (hexa conductor) project awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding under a single scheme. This covered the installation of a 1,756 circuit km (ckm) transmission line cutting across Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as the establishment of a 765 KV sub-station in Warangal, based on a build, own, operate, and maintain framework.
Initially assigned to Essel Infraprojects Ltd in early 2016, the project was later taken over by Adani Energy Solutions Limited (AESL) in March 2021, subsequent to the stressed debt restructuring undertaken by creditors.
The project was exceptionally large-scale, using 103,000 metric tonnes of steel for its towers, equivalent to material for 10 Eiffel Towers.
It also utilized 30,154 km of specialized alloy conductor material for transmission lines, comparable to three moon circumnavigations.
Notably, two 102 m high mid-stream towers were erected on the Krishna River, a feat accomplished within a tight three-month window of low water levels.
The project faced numerous challenges, including crossing 116 major power lines, electrified railways, and national highways.
It navigated disruptions caused by global events like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, affecting commodity supply chains and necessitating repeated logistical adjustments.