Patel Engineering bags massive Rs 240cr deal for Sikkim hydropower tunnel transformation

Patel Engineering Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for a significant ₹240.02 crore contract from NHPC Ltd. The contract, awarded under the Teesta-V Power Station project, focuses on transforming the existing diversion tunnel into a spillway arrangement at the power station, located in South Sikkim. This project involves civil and hydro-mechanical works and is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The Teesta-V Power Station, one of NHPC’s key installations in the North-East, requires extensive modifications, and Patel Engineering’s experience in this region makes it a reliable choice for the undertaking. The scope of the work includes constructing civil components such as a gate operation chamber, adit construction, precast bridges, excess road development, and the energy dissipation system for the spillway. Notably, the project also includes building a dyke and tunnel for environmental flow, ensuring the operational integrity of the spillway.

Patel Engineering’s familiarity with the North-Eastern terrain, especially its experience with NHPC’s Teesta VI project, located approximately 30 km from the new project site, gives it an upper hand. The company is already executing several projects in Sikkim and has a strong track record of over 85 dams, 40 hydroelectric projects, and more than 300 kilometres of tunnelling work. With a 75-year legacy of delivering complex engineering projects, the company is expected to meet the stringent deadlines.

Expert Opinion
Industry experts believe Patel Engineering’s success in securing this contract highlights its robust position in India’s hydropower infrastructure sector. With the Indian government prioritising the development of renewable energy projects, particularly in the North-East, this project adds to the company’s expanding portfolio. The ₹240 crore deal further strengthens Patel Engineering’s foothold in the hydroelectric project segment, a domain where it has already excelled.

According to project management consultants, the construction of spillways and tunnels is a complex task, requiring expertise in both civil and hydro-mechanical engineering. With Patel Engineering’s previous experience in similar projects, it is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the rugged Sikkimese terrain and the technical demands of the project.

The scope of the current project, while ambitious, aligns well with the company’s capabilities. If completed within the stipulated 18-month timeframe, this project could pave the way for more extensive opportunities in the North-East, a region ripe for infrastructure development.

The significance of the Teesta-V project
Teesta-V is one of the most crucial hydropower projects in Sikkim, supplying power to several northern Indian states. By enhancing its operational infrastructure with this modification, NHPC aims to improve efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts. The modification to the spillway will also ensure better water flow control, critical in managing seasonal floods and maintaining optimal power generation levels.

Patel Engineering’s involvement in this project signals a continuing trend of private engineering firms playing pivotal roles in India’s public sector infrastructure projects, particularly in renewable energy.

This project’s successful completion could set a precedent for similar developments in the region, further solidifying Patel Engineering’s status as a leader in India’s hydropower sector.