Engineering feat in Chenab valley: Pakal Dul hydroelectric project tunnel sees historic daylighting

In a significant boost to the region’s infrastructure and power generation capacity, the 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project has recorded a major construction milestone with the breakthrough of Head Race Tunnel-I. Officials described the achievement as a key step towards the early commissioning of the project, which is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the power grid and accelerating development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Circular shaped, 7.2 meters’ diameter, approx. 7.35 kilometres of underground tunnel, with 2 km of overburden (rock cover), has been successfully completed with Hard Rock Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machine in Indian Himalayas, said officials on Thursday.

The project is being constructed by the Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd.

The historic daylighting was achieved on Wednesday in the virtual presence of CMD NHPC, Bhupendra Gupta, along with all Directors and senior officers of NHPC connected online from Corporate Office Faridabad. Managing Director-CVPPL, Ramesh Mukhiya and other Senior Officers had joined online from CVPPL Corporate Office Jammu.

Meanwhile, Pakal Dul Project head, Vishal Anand and senior project officials were present on the site at Drangdhuran to witness this important milestone.

Major portions of the two HRTs, from Dool to Drangdhuran, are being constructed by TBMs engaged by M/s Larsen & Tubro and a minor portion has been constructed through traditional Drilling-Blasting Method by M/s JP Associates. Notwithstanding the geological challenges in the Chenab valley region, this largescale hydropower project is fast progressing towards its early commissioning.

On this occasion, CMD-NHPC, Chairman-CVPPL & MD-CVPPL expressed their immense gratitude towards the Government of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the special support provided to Pakal Dul Project and the Government of J&K for their continued support & cooperation in building the Project of national importance. He added that the project will play a decisive role in establishing the CVPPL, strengthening energy security, enhancing grid stability and contributing to the socio-economic development of UT of J&K.