The call for prequalification for the contract involving major tunnelling works to build the Vishnugad Pipalkoti hydro project in India has been rescheduled to the end of this month.
Tunnel works involved in the engineer, procurement and construction (EPC) contract include a 13.4km long by 8.8m wide headrace tunnel, a 130m high by 20m wide surge shaft and a 3.1km long tailrace tunnel. The underground powerhouse consists of two parts – the machine cavern (127m by 20.3m by 50m) and transformer cavern (112m by 16m by 24.5m).
The client, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), plans to shortlist contractors. The developer estimates total civils costs at US$355M, including dam construction.
Vishnugad Pipalkoti is to be a 444MW plant built in steep terrain on the Alaknanda river in the state of Uttarakhand.
