Project Impacts
Through strategic infrastructure development, our projects deliver measurable results, fostering sustainable progress and driving positive change for both local communities and the broader environment.
The state of Meghalaya had one 400/220 kV substation at Byrnihat (MePTCL) and another 132 kV substation at Khlierhat (POWERGRID) — both located in the eastern region of the state. However, as power demand increased and the need for a reliable power supply grew in the western part of Meghalaya, a strong grid infrastructure became essential.
To address this, the establishment of a 220 kV grid substation in East Garo Hills was proposed, aimed at reinforcing the state’s interconnection with the national grid. Earlier, the region relied on radial 132 kV lines. To meet the growing and peak power demand across the state, the development of the Nangalbibra–Bongaigaon Transmission Line is a critical milestone.
Development of radial power link due to this project will improve the voltage profile as well as reliability of power supply in the western part of Meghalaya.
This project is capable of tackling future load growth of that area.
Western Meghalaya region is now connected to the Central Grid of India, which will fulfill the power demand of that area and vice versa.
Major Engineering Challenges During Brahmaputra River Crossing:
1. High ROW in Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and East Garo Districts
Key Challenge: Land rates from 2010 delayed RoW compensation, holding work for 1.5 years.
Resolution: Coordination with BTC secured revised land rates, resolving RoW issues.
2. Crossing Mighty River Brahmaputra with an Optimized Span
Key Challenge: Narrow corridor with river unpredictability and infrastructure congestion.
Resolution: Collaborative teams built one-pile foundation to support India’s 3rd tallest tower.
3. Substation Land Acquisition at Nangalbibra
Key Challenge: Tribal laws blocked direct land sales to companies.
Resolution: Government acquired land and transferred it to the company.
4. Lowland and Water Logging in Hatsingmari
Key Challenge: 70% of the line in waterlogged lowlands.
Resolution: Floating platforms and boats enabled construction during peak monsoon.
5. Traversing NB Line Over Urpad Beel
Key Challenge: Work halted by Forest Dept. citing bird conservation.
Resolution: CEA-led discussion restarted work under agreed conditions.
Collaboration
A team comprising D&E (Design and Engineering), SCM (Supply Chain Management), QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment), and Project team figure out an amicable solution, by replacing 2 nos. of piles to 1 pile in the centre of river. With unique engineering solution, new pile design was prepared and vetted. This new design kept pile foundation at 1.4 km apart from both banks, total 36 piles was constructed (9 piles in each leg), pile depth was 45 mtr and diameter of 1.5 mtr. After pile foundation tower no. 67/1 (Pile foundation) was erected with height of 128 mtr (3rd highest transmission tower in India). This collaborative approach ensured a well-rounded strategy to address the challenges.
Expertise of EPC Navyuga
Partnering with EPC Navyuga, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction company, brought in their expertise to navigate the complexities of the project. By working together and leveraging expertise, NBTL successfully addressed the challenges and completed this Engineering Marvel.
