30 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : A change in technical specifications for a Rs 75-crore Punjab power department tender has narrowed competition, with two bidders being disqualified after the procurement conditions for 900 11-KV vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) were revised.
The tender was floated by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Documents reviewed by The Tribune show that four entities had initially participated, but a subsequent change in the technical requirements resulted in two of them being excluded from the fresh bidding process.
Tender Initially Attracted Four Bidders
The original tender was opened on June 25, 2026, with four companies expressing interest.
The bidders included BHEL, Jyoti, Pascal Switch Gear India Pvt Ltd and C-Sec Technologies. The original tender contained an undertaking clause that allowed bidders whose type-test reports were outdated or non-compliant to undertake fresh testing at their own cost before supplies began.
The tender was later cancelled and the specifications were modified.
Fresh Tender Issued After Specification Change
The revised specifications were approved during a PSPCL Board meeting on August 14, after which a fresh tender was issued on August 20.
One of the significant changes involved the requirement for valid type-test reports at the bidding stage itself.
This effectively meant that companies that could previously participate by undertaking to complete fresh testing before supply were no longer eligible under the revised conditions.
Two Companies Disqualified
Following the change, M/s Jyoti and M/s Pascal Switch Gear India Pvt Ltd were disqualified from the fresh tender.
As a result, BHEL and M/s Stelmec, an existing PSPCL supplier, remain in the fray for the procurement.
The reduction in the number of eligible bidders has raised questions about the impact of the revised technical requirements on competition in the tender.
Rates About 12 Per Cent Higher
Another issue highlighted in the documents is the pricing.
The rates quoted in the fresh PSPCL tender are reportedly around 12 per cent higher than rates quoted in recent comparable tenders issued by the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL).
The difference in quoted prices is expected to be examined before the procurement is finally cleared.
PSTCL Retains Original Clause
PSTCL is also procuring similar vacuum circuit breakers for its 132-KV and 220-KV substations.
However, unlike PSPCL, PSTCL has retained the original undertaking clause in its procurement process.
Its Board approved the decision on Tuesday, providing a contrasting approach to the technical eligibility conditions adopted by the two state power utilities.
Administrative Reshuffle Raises Questions
Sources cited in the report said an administrative reshuffle took place within PSPCL after a senior officer reportedly raised reservations regarding the matter.
The charge was subsequently handed over to another officer of the same rank.
The development has added another layer of scrutiny to the tender process, although the reported reservations and administrative changes do not by themselves establish any wrongdoing.
PSPCL CMD Says Matter Will Be Reviewed
Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, who recently took charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of both PSPCL and PSTCL, said the quoted tender rates and PSTCL’s decision to retain the original clause would be considered at the upcoming PSPCL Board meeting.
The VCB procurement will be cleared only after the matter is reviewed by the Board, according to the report.
Why Type-Test Reports Matter
Type tests are used to establish whether electrical equipment meets prescribed technical and safety standards under specified operating conditions.
Under the earlier PSPCL tender conditions, technically capable manufacturers could participate even if their existing reports were outdated, provided they undertook to complete fresh testing at their own cost before supplying the equipment.
The revised requirement moves that compliance hurdle to the bidding stage.
Tender Under Scrutiny
The change has consequently reduced the number of bidders from four to two in the fresh tender.
With the project involving procurement of 900 VCB units worth about Rs 75 crore, the number of participating companies and the difference in quoted rates are likely to remain important considerations when PSPCL’s Board takes up the procurement for approval.