Kodungallur (Thrissur): The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has revised the cost estimate for the proposed coastal power highway linking the southern, central, and northern regions and has reopened global tenders for the project.

Over the past four years, tenders for the second phase—the Aluva-North Paravur-Kodungallur 220 kV double-circuit transmission line—were invited five times but failed to attract companies. High costs are cited as the main reason for the lukewarm response.

KSEB expects the revised estimate to draw bids this time, allowing construction to begin by January.

The new tender covers building a 220 kV double-circuit transmission line from Aluva to Paravur in Ernakulam district and from Paravur to the Kodungallur Chappara 110 kV substation in Thrissur district. Plans call for 65 towers along the Aluva–North Paravur stretch and 56 towers between North Paravur and Kodungallur (15 km).

Engineers say tidal movements, backwaters, rivers, and marshland have made tower installation and road access for machinery and materials difficult. These challenges have been a major factor in discouraging bidders.

The project’s first phase, the Irinjalakuda–Kodungallur 220–110 kV double-circuit line, was completed three years ago, covering 15.4 km with 55 towers. It connected the Madakkathara–Irinjalakuda–Kodungallur line.

Once the Aluva–North Paravur–Kodungallur double-circuit transmission line is completed, the coastal power highway will run parallel to the existing Kalamassery–Chalakudy–Madakkathara line, extending from Kalamassery to Kunnamkulam, Vengaloor, and Tirur.