Work on Zojila tunnel in full swing, over 40 pc drilling achieved; project to be complete by December 2026
The work on the strategic Zojila tunnel – an all-weather connection between the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh region — is going on at a rapid pace and over 40 per cent of the drilling has been completed, the construction company said on Sunday. The company said it is hopeful of completing the project by December 2026.
The tunnel project – through the mighty Zojila Pass at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National highway – is of strategic importance as the highway remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Ladakh region from Kashmir.
The single-tube Zojila tunnel – from Baltal, in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, to Minimarg, in Drass town of Kargil district of Ladakh, is 13 km long with an approach road of 18 km.
“This project is a huge game changer by the government of India. The total length of the project from Sonamarg to Minimarg is 31 km. From Sonamarg to Baltal, it is 18 km, and then the main tunnel from Baltal to Minimarg which is 13 km long. The work is going on at a rapid pace on both the projects,” Project Head, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited Harpal Singh told.
MEIL is constructing the tunnel.
Singh said the work had to be stopped for two months in the winter because of back-to-back avalanches in January in which two persons were killed. About 38 pieces of equipment of the construction company were buried under the snow which have not yet been retrieved. “It was a temporary setback,” Singh said, adding, “I am hopeful that the whole project will be completed by December 2026”.
Singh said out of the 13 km long tunnel, a total of 6 km cutting has been done – three km from this side and the rest from the other end. “The remaining work will be completed in time,” he said.
The project head said the company is using a modern method of tunnelling which is known as new Austrian tunnelling method.
“By this method, we have achieved three important things — the safety of the tunnel, the safety of the work-force, and the speed,” he added. By using this method, he said, the chances of accidents are very low and the quality and the speed of tunnelling are very good. This is a special technology applied in Europe and North America, he said.
Out of the total 31 km project from Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, to Baltal, the approach road is 18 km and the work is also going on their simultaneously.
“About 60 per cent of work has been completed on this. There are four bridges on which about 80 per cent of the work has been completed. There is five-km Nilgarh tunnels which have been completed. The work is going on at an advance pace and the approach road would be operational within two years,” Singh said. He said people will not face will not face any difficulty in coming to Baltal even in winter when there is heavy snowfall because of the approach road to the tunnel.
Asked about the importance of the tunnel with respect to the Defence forces, Singh said after the completion of the tunnel, the forces will be able to move across round the clock.
“The road remains closed for four months due to snowfall. It is a very long time. There are so many defence forces personnel, we have a border with China which has a strong military. It is risky for our forces to face such a huge army when there is no land connection with the rest of India.
“After this tunnel is constructed, the Indian defence forces will move uninterrupted throughout the year. People of J-K and Ladakh can move throughout the year. It will be a huge advantage. What we had not been able to do in the last 75 years, you will have it in the next three to four years,” he said.
He said not only will it shorten the distance, the time taken will also be very less. This distance will be covered in less than 40 minutes instead of four hours, he said.
Site-incharge of MEIL, Sanjay Sharma, said the tunnel would be the longest in Asia at the highest altitude. He said there were many challenges working in the young Himalayan range.
“But, the main challenge is outside the tunnel. It is the weather. First two years, we worked in winter months also. But, last year, we had to stop for two months due to avalanches,” he said.
Parliamentary consultative committee on Road Transport & Highways, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, is visiting the project site on Monday.
India Infrastructure Trust declares total distribution of Rs.3.9140 per unit
The Pipeline InvIT Committee of Brookfield India Infrastructure Manager Private Limited, acting in its capacity as the Investment Manager of India Infrastructure Trust (“Trust”), in its meeting held today i.e. Thursday, April 6, 2023, has declared a total distribution of Rs.3.9140 per Unit payable as under:
Return of Capital – Rs.1.8335 per Unit
Return on Capital – Rs.2.0805 per Unit
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 has been fixed as the Record Date for the purpose of the payment of this distribution to the Unitholders, which will be paid on or before Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Network Planning Group under PM Gati Shakti approves 4 infra projects
These projects will also provide multimodal connectivity, seamless movement of goods and passengers, it said.
The four projects are construction of broad-gauge double line between Sawai Madhopur and Jaipur in Rajasthan, broad-gauge line between Junagarh to Nabarangpur station in Odisha, broad-gauge line between Anand Nagar Ghughuli via Maharajganj on Northeastern Railway in Uttar Pradesh and provision of automatic block signalling on freight dense high utilization network on Western Railway.
GreenLine deploys its LNG-powered trucks at UltraTech Cement’s Pune Bulk Terminal
GreenLine (Green Planet Logistics Pvt Ltd.), India’s first and only LNG-fueled heavy trucking logistics company, has announced the deployment of its LNG-powered trucks at UltraTech Cement’s Bulk Terminal located in Pune, Maharashtra.
UltraTech is making strides in its commitment to sustainability and decarbonization of its operations with this second deployment of GreenLine’s LNG-powered fleet of trucks, after the first deployment at its Awarpur Cement Works near Nagpur. The use of LNG trucks is a significant step towards achieving the company’s sustainability targets. This development underscores UltraTech’s commitment to scaling up its LNG fleet at its plants across the country in the coming months.
The trucks were flagged off by Tanmay Pradhan, AVP Logistics, UltraTech Cement, Nisha Jain, Plant Head, UltraTech Pune Bulk Terminal, alongwith Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine, and other key officials.
Speaking on the association, Tanmay Pradhan, AVP Logistics, UltraTech Cement said, “At UltraTech, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future, and we are fully committed to collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to achieve our goal of a cleaner environment. Our association with GreenLine is a step forward on our ongoing efforts to decrease emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability.”
GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks reduce CO2 emissions by ~28%, translating to emission reduction of ~24 ton CO2 per truck per annum, compared to conventional diesel trucks. In addition, these LNG trucks significantly reduce other dangerous emissions – SOx emissions by upto 100%, NOx emissions by upto 59% and Particulate Matter by upto 91%.
Commenting on the occasion, Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine, said, “We are proud to again be the chosen green mobility partner for UltraTech Cement in their endeavor to reduce carbon emissions from their heavy trucking. Reducing toxic, polluting emissions from road logistics is crucial for businesses, and GreenLine is actively supporting corporations in this endeavor through our fleet of LNG-powered heavy-duty trucks.” GreenLine is on a green mobility mission and is paving the way for widespread adoption of LNG fueled long haul trucks by showcasing its immense advantages for corporates. GreenLine has collaborated with multiple organisations to create India’s first & only integrated green logistics ecosystem to make LNG trucking a reality in India.
Cube Highways acquires Baharampore Farakka Highway from HCC Group
I Squared Capital backed highways platform Cube Highways has closed the acquisition of Baharampore Farakka Highways Ltd (BFHL), which owns a 101 km highway stretch in West Bengal, from the HCC group at an enterprise value of Rs.1,323 crore.
BFHL is a subsidiary of HCC Concessions which operates a toll road project between Baharampore and Farakka section of NH 12 in West Bengal, connecting Kolkata and Haldia port to North Bengal and North Eastern states. Apart from the equity consideration of Rs.677 crore, HCC is entitled to an additional payout of up to Rs.264 crorecontingent on traffic performance, which is payable in two tranches by Q3 FY24 and Q1 FY25.
Edelweiss acted as the exclusive financial advisor to HCC group.
Cube Highways, sponsored by I Squared Capital and backed by other investors such as IFC, ADIA, Mitsubishi Corp among others, is one of the biggest investors in the India road sector having acquired 27 road assets since its inception, totalling to 8,400 lane kilometres. 1 April that Cube Highways has raised as much as Rs.4,500 crore from various investors for its maiden infrastructure investment trust (InvIT). The InvIT comprised 19 operating road assets owned by Cube.
HPCL Tie Up With Chevron To Manufacture Lubricants
Hindustan Petroleum has announced that it has entered in an agreement with global supermajor Chevron to manufacture, distribute and market its lubricants in India. As per the agreement, Chevron Brands International LLC will license, manufacture, distribute, and market its lubricant products under the Caltex brand, including Chevron’s Havoline and Delo branded lubricant products. HPCL has its own lubricants and these would be adding to the existing ones. The company has informed in its official filing with stock exchanges that Chevron Corporation has entered into a long-term trademark licensing agreement with HPCL.
Amit Garg, Director of marketing HPCL said, “This exciting partnership paves the way to leverage HPCL’s market leadership to add value via a broader, premium product offering to Indian consumers through synergies between HPCL and Chevron.”
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited is a subsidiary of ONGC. HPCL also owns and operates the largest lubricant refinery in India, with a capacity of 335,000 metric tonnes, producing lube base oils of international standards.
J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd receives LOA from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd
J. Kumar Infraprojects Ltd has announced the receipt of Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from M/s. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited for the “Construction of Airport Depot for Bangalore Metro Rail Project – Phase – 2B” for a total contract cost of Rs.182,33,99,706/- (Rupees One Hundred and Eight Two Crores Thirty-Three Lacs Ninety-Nine Thousand Seven Hundred and Six only), exclusive of GST, in the name of J. Kumar – AICPL (Joint Venture) where the share of M/s. J. Kumar Infraprojects Limited is 55% which comes to approximately Rs.100,28,69,838/- (Rupees One Hundred Crores Twenty-Eight Lacs Sixty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Eight only) exclusive of GST.
IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd arm receives Completion Certificate 2 for Hapur Moradabad Project
Hapur Moradabad Project implemented by IRB Hapur Moradabad Tollway Limited, the Project SPV of IRB Infrastructure Trust has been issued a Completion Certificate (COD-II) for additional length of 9.75 Kms by the Competent Authority. With this, 88.282 Kms of the Project Highway has been completed. Consequently, toll rates for the SPV would be increased by ~5% and the SPV will collect toll at revised toll rates on this project.
MEP Infrastructure Developers Ltd receives LOA for User Fee Collection for Agar-Jaora Road
MEP Infrastructure Developers Ltd’s Wholly Owned Subsidiary viz. Raima Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (RVPL) has received a Letter of Award (LOA) dated 10th April, 2023 from M. P. Road Development Corporation Ltd. (M. P. State Highway Authority) (“the Authority”) informing that RVPL has been engaged as the User Fee Collection agency for Agar-Jaora Road in the State of Madhya Pradesh.
Key highlights of the Project are as under:
User Fee Collection rights at Agar-Jaora Road in the State of Madhya Pradesh.
Terms of the Contract Agreement:
a. Period of Contract is 2 (Two) Years.
b. The operations will commence within 1 (One) month after signing of Contract Agreement with the Authority as per the terms of the Bid Document(s).
The Contractual Value of the said Project is Rs.14,76,00,000/. The Annual Remittance to the Authority is Rs.7,38,00,000.
Govt says 70 projects worth Rs.2,856 cr sanctioned under Sagarmala Programme
Under the Sagarmala Programme, 70 projects worth Rs.2,856 crore have been sanctioned, out of which 15 projects worth Rs.849 crore have been completed, Parliament was informed on Friday. Under the Sagarmala Programme, 70 projects worth Rs.2,856 crore have been sanctioned for the development of coastal berths, roll-on, roll-off, passenger jetties etc. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal said various initiatives and projects have been undertaken to facilitate shifting of cargo from conventional land-based transportation to coastal shipping mode.
A discount of 40 per cent is offered by major ports on vessel and cargo related charges to coastal cargo vessels, Sonowal added.
He said green channel clearance was introduced for faster evacuation of coastal cargo at ports. According to the minister, the projects for improvement in the first and last-mile road and rail connectivity with all the major and non-major ports have also been identified for faster cargo movement. Sonowal said GST on bunker fuels used in Indian Flag Vessels has been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent.
The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports’ Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes’.
Centre approves nearly Rs.700 crore for NH widening project in Karnataka
The Centre has approved a sum of Rs.698.08 crore for the widening of the Belur to Hassan section of NH373, with the addition of paved shoulders, in Karnataka, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday. “This project, executed under the NH(O) Annual Plan 2022-23 (Package-II), will be carried out in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, “ he tweeted.
H G Infra Engineering Ltd receives completion Certificate for the Project in Raiasthan
H.G. Infra Engineering Limited (‘HGINFRA’) has received the completion certificate for the project “Construction of 8-lane access controlled Expressway starting near Start of ROB near junction with NH-11A to Junction with MDR-1 (Baonli – Jhalai road)(Ch. 214.260 – 247.310) section of Delhi-Vadodara Greenfield Alignment (NH-148N)on EPC Mode under Bharatmala Pariyojna in the State of Rajasthan.” The Completion certificate received from the authority engineer on March 20, 2023 and the project has been declared fit for entry into operation on February 06, 2023.
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd – Tracks & Towers Infratech Pvt Ltd consortium emerges L1 for NHAI project
TTIPL-RVNL Consortium (Tracks & Towers Infratech Pvt. Ltd. – Rail Vikas Nigam Limited) emerges as the Lowest Bidder (L1) for NHAI Project of “6-lane Greenfield Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Highway from Sonepurbigha village to junction with NH-22 (Chatra Bypass) near Chatra from km 184.700 to km 222.000 under Bharatmala Pariyojana in the State of Jharkhand on Hybrid Annuity Mode (Package-8).” The cost of project is Rs.1271.99 Crore (TTIPL Share is 51% and RVNL Share is 49%).
NTPC Commissions First Green Coal Project In Varanasi
The state-owned power company NTPC has launched the world’s first commercial green coal project in Varanasi, which will produce torrefied charcoal from municipal waste.
According to a company statement, NTPC planned to produce green coal (torrefied charcoal) from municipal waste nearly three years ago. Macawber Beekay was awarded the project by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL) on an EPC basis. Recently, the first reactor module, which has a capacity of 200 tonnes per day (TPD), was successfully installed and commissioned for NTPC’s Harit Koyla (Green Coal) Pariyojna plant in Ramana, Varanasi.
After all three modules are installed, the total waste handling capacity of this plant will be 600 TPD. The plant occupies 20 acres of land. Torrefied charcoal (green coal), which is similar to natural coal, can be successfully blended with fuel to generate electricity in thermal power plants. The process is environmentally friendly because no waste is burned; instead, it is processed inside the reactor using Macawber Beekay’s specialized conversion technology.
According to the statement, NTPC produced 70 tonnes of green coal from 200 tonnes of waste via this process. The successful outcome of this experiment has prompted plans to establish additional units to create green coal from waste.
BPCL electrifies more than 5,000 Kilometers Highway Stretches in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company, today announced the launch of 19 EV Fast-Charging stations at 110 fuel stations along 15 highways in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The company has launched 3 corridors with 19 fuel stations in Kerala, 6 Corridors with 33 fuel stations in Karnataka and 10 corridors with 58 fuel stations in Tamil Nadu.
The 19 Highway Corridors are:
- Bangalore -Mysore – Bandipur – 230 Kms
- Davanagere-Haveri-Belgaum – 248 Kms
- Bellari-Koppal-Gadag-Hubbali-Karwar – 385 Kms
- Bangalore-Davanagere – 264 Kms
- Bangalore-Bagepalli-Anantpur – 224 Kms
- Bangalore – Tirupathi – 247 Kms
- Chennai Pondichery – Velankanni – 310 Kms
- Coimbatore – Karur -149 Kms
- Trichy – Thanjavur – Nagapattinam -145 Kms
- Hosur – Salem-Karur-Madurai -Tirunelveli- Kanyakumari – 641 Kms
- Madurai-Rajapalayam-Shencottah -163 Kms
- Madurai-Rameshwaram -196 Kms
- Salem – Ulundurrpet -139 Kms
- Theni-Madurai-Thondi -186 Kms
- Tuticorin-Madurai -167 Kms
- Coimbatore – Salem -167 Kms
- Ernakulam-Kozhikode – Kannur-Kasargod -362 Kms
- Kozhikode – Waynad -86 Kms
- Ernakulam-Trissur-Palakkad -150 Kms
‘It takes just 30 minutes to charge an EV, giving the driving range of upto 125 kilometers at our Fuel Stations, therefore we have maintained the distance within 100 kilometers between the two charging stations’, said Pushp Kumar Nayar, Head Retail South at the launch.
These corridors will connect important religious and tourist destinations with cities, like Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh & Bandipur National Park in Karnataka; Ranaganthaswamy Temple, Jambukeswar Temple. The famous religious places covered in Kerala are Guruvayoor temple and Kadampuzha temple, Vallarpadam National shrine of Basilica, St.Antony’s Church, Koratty and Markaz Knowledge City & Early Sunrise watch at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, and many more.
So far, BPCL has converted 21 Highways into electric corridors and going forward, by March 2023, 200 highways will be covered with Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers to support and accelerate the EV growth in the country.
These Fast EV Charging Corridors were inaugurated by P.S. Ravi, Executive Director Incharge (Retail) in presence of Pushp Kumar Nayar, Head Retail South, Kannabiran D., State Head (Retail) Kerala, Subhankar Sen, Chief General Manager (Retail Initiative & Brand) at the launch event in Ernakulam, Kerala.
Speaking at the launch, P.S. Ravi, Executive Director Incharge (Retail), BPCL said ‘The fast chargers are easy to use. They can be self-operated without any manual assistance, though support staff will be available if needed. BPCL has digitized the entire EV charger locator, charger operations and transaction process through the HelloBPCL app for an online hassle free and transparent user experience.’
Several of BPCL’s highway fuel stations also offer hygienic food through its strategic alliances with leading brands such as McDonald’s, A2B, Cube Stop, Café Coffee Day and other local outlets. Bharat Petroleum has also rolled out its chain of In & Out convenience stores at key fuel stations on highways for added convenience to its customers.
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates, lays foundation stone for nine projects in Jamshedpur
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently inaugurated and laid foundation stones for nine projects in Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, which entailed an estimated investment of Rs.3,378 crore. The road transport and highways minister is scheduled to launch 31 projects in all, during the day, worth Rs.13,296 crore.
Of these, 21 pertain to state capital Ranchi, incurring an expense of Rs.9,453 crore. Noting that Jharkhand has made significant contributions to ensure the country’s development, Gadkari said the new highway projects will drive growth and progress in the state. A 44-km stretch between Jamshedpur and Mahulta on National Highway-33, constructed at a cost of Rs.465 crore, was among the projects unveiled in the Steel City.
A senior National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) official said that this stretch will provide Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Kolkata connectivity via Jamshedpur, significantly reducing travel time between the destinations.
The project will also drive commercial development in the Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, he stated.
Apart from these, Gadkari laid foundation stone for a four-lane double-decker elevated corridor on NH-33, connecting Kali Mandi, Dimna Chowk and Baliguma in Jamshedpur, at an estimated cost of Rs.1,876 crore, thus reducing traffic burden on the Steel City.
As part of a Bharatmala package, a four-lane access control road will be constructed on Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor of NH-320, the NHAI official said.“After completion of the project, Raipur will be commercially connected to Dhanbad and travel time between Ranchi and Bokaro will reduce drastically, leading to social and industrial development of both the states,” the official added.
NTPC Green Energy Ltd commissions 50 MW of 300 MW Nokhra Solar PV Project
Consequent upon successful commissioning, fourth part capacity of 50 MW out of 300 MW Nokhra Solar PV Project of NTPC Green Energy Limited (A wholly owned Subsidiary of NTPC Limited) at Bikaner, Rajasthan, is declared on Commercial Operation w.e.f. 00:00 Hrs. of 01.04.2023. The first part capacity of 100 MW has already been declared on commercial operation w.e.f. 20.12.2022, second part capacity of 50 MW w.e.f. 30.12.2022 and third part capacity of 50 MW w.e.f. 16.02.2023. The total capacity declared on commercial operation of Nokhra Solar PV Project is now 250 MW. With this, installed and commercial capacity of NTPC Green Energy Limited has become 2661 MW while group installed and commercial capacity of NTPC has become 71644 MW.
BRO build world’s highest tunnel at Shinku La Pass to connect Himachal to Ladakh in record time
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently inaugurated and laid the foundation for Rs.545 crore-worth projects related to connectivity, healthcare and higher education at Rangia in Kamrup district. Reiterating his government’s commitment to develop world-class infrastructure in the state, he directed officials to ensure timely completion of all projects.
“As we observe ‘A Day dedicated to Development’, I inaugurated & laid the foundation for 23 projects worth Rs.545 cr at Rangia today,” Sarma tweeted. “I have directed officials to ensure timely execution so these initiatives bear the fruits of development & prosperity for people of Assam,” he added.
Sarma said he started the day’s programme by inaugurating a four-lane link road that will connect Rangia to National Highway 31.
He said the government is committed to invest over Rs.10,000 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal to create world-class infrastructure in Assam. Inaugurating a 47-bed ICU at Rangiya Model Hospital, Sarma said, “Assam is witnessing a silent revolution in healthcare. We are determined to bring quality healthcare infrastructure closer to our towns and villages.” Underlining health and education as “front wheels of Assam’s developmental journey”, he also inaugurated a post-graduation block at Rangiya College, thereby upgrading it to a PG institution. With this, fewer students will have to leave home for studies, the CM added.
Shreeji Translogistics Ltd adds BHEL as a New Client in its Full Truck Load Segment
Shreeji Translogistics Ltd has added Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL), a leading PSU and India’s largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as one of its esteemed client in the FTL division. STL is well-positioned to provide BHEL with the logistics support it needs, to keep its operations running smoothly and contribute increasingly in nation building. This partnership is a testament to the quality of services and reliability that Shreeji Translogistics Ltd offers to its clients.
This order win strengthens the company’s dominant market position by providing a groundbreaking, differentiated value added services and cost-efficient solution for transportation, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to becoming a customercentric and highly service-oriented organization.
Commenting on the announcement, the Management team of Shreeji Translogistics Limited,stated: “We are happy to announce the addition of a new highly reputed client “Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL)” to its customer portfolio, for all India transportation of incoming & outgoing consignments by various categories of trucks from-to different places to-from BHEL, Bhopal and/or anywhere to anywhere. It is a significant achievement for us, and it reflects the hard work and dedication of our team.
STL is well-equipped with a strong fleet of vehicles, experienced drivers, and a professional team that is dedicated to deliver excellent logistics solutions. STL recognizes the importance of timely and efficient delivery of goods, especially in the current business environment where supply chains are paramount importance for smooth business continuity and profitability.
Additionally, this order serves as a noteworthy achievement for Shreeji Translogistics Ltd as it further expands its business horizons. Further, the company’s reputation for providing high-quality logistics solutions has resulted in the addition of new client, BHEL, which showcases our increasing scale of operations. We hold a positive outlook on seizing the upcoming opportunities, sustaining and increasing our market position.”
Rithwik Projects to build 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Project of SJVN
Rithwik Projects will build 382 MW Sunni Dam hydro power project for Rs.1,098 crore for state-run SJVN Ltd. SJVN on Thursday signed the Contract Agreement for engineering, procurement and construction of civil and hydro-mechanical works of 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project, a SJVN statement said.
The Letter of Award for Civil & Hydro-Mechanical works was issued on January 14, 2023. On March 23, a contract agreement for the same was executed after completion of all prerequisites.
Infrastructure development to facilitate timely execution of the project and mobilization of major contractors at project site is at full pace. This project is scheduled to be completed within 58 months i.e, by November 2027. The 382 MW Sunni Dam Project is a run-of-the-river project situated in Shimla and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh on river Satluj. The Project will generate 1,382 million units annually at a levelized tariff of Rs.3.90 per unit and will contribute 1.1 million tons annually towards carbon emission reduction. On commissioning, 13 per cent of the electricity generated will be provided free of cost to the government of Himachal Pradesh including 1 per cent for Local Area Development Fund.
For the project life cycle of 40 years, this free power translates into benefits of Rs.2,803 crores to Himachal Pradesh. Development of the project will lead to community assets creation and infrastructure development. Project construction activities will result in direct and indirect employment opportunities to around 4,000 persons. This will lead to overall socio-economic development of the state of Himachal Pradesh, it stated.
