The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has called for bids from solar power developers to establish a 450-500 MW solar park along the Bundelkhand Expressway, utilizing a build-own-operate model. The deadline for bid submissions is November 15, 2024, with bid openings scheduled for November 18.

The designated land for the solar project, which stretches 15-20 meters on both sides of the 296.07 km expressway, encompasses slope and loop areas near major junctions, totaling approximately 1,700 hectares. Bidders are required to submit proposals for a minimum capacity of 50 MW.

The project agreement will be valid for 25 years from the commercial operation date. Interested bidders must pay a document fee of ?11,800 ($140) and an earnest money deposit of ?500,000 ($5,948) per MW. Successful bidders will also need to provide a performance bank guarantee of ?1.5 million ($17,843) per MW.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to visit the project site to assess conditions, access routes, and the availability of essential utilities for construction. They should also familiarize themselves with relevant laws, regulations, and other factors that could affect their bids, including potential risks.

To be eligible, bidders must not have been blacklisted by any government agency or found guilty of serious fraudulent practices. They are required to use commercially established and operational technologies to mitigate risks and ensure timely project completion.

Bidders must demonstrate a net worth of at least ?10 million ($118,949) per MW of contracted capacity and an average annual turnover of at least ?15 million ($178,428) per MW over the past three financial years.

Previously, UPEIDA also invited bids for the establishment of public charging stations along the state’s expressways through a public-private partnership.