Patel Engineering Limited (PEL) has secured a US$27.8m (BTN/INR 230.70 crore) contract for pre-construction works on Bhutan’s 1,125MW Dorjilung hydroelectric project. The award was issued by Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL), a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC), Bhutan, and Tata Power Company Limited (TPCL), India.
The contract covers Package I of the project, which includes civil and hydromechanical works. The Dorjilung hydroelectric project is being developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model and is Bhutan’s largest hydropower project under this structure. It is intended to meet domestic energy demand and enable the export of surplus electricity to India.
Under the scope of work, PEL will construct two diversion tunnels of 11m diameter with lengths of 930m and 821m, an intermediate adit of 7m finished diameter and 116m length, and a 500m highway road tunnel with a D-shaped cross section measuring 11m by 7.5m. The package also includes hydromechanical works comprising four sets of vertical lift fixed wheel gates.
The construction period is 300 days, followed by a one-year defects notification period. The project site is located about 7km from Autsho town in Mongar Dzongkhag, Bhutan.
Commenting on the award, Ms. Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director of Patel Engineering Limited, said: “We are delighted to have been entrusted with this prestigious project. Hydropower is a cornerstone of Bhutan’s energy future, and we see this as an opportunity not only to deliver world-class engineering solutions but also to strengthen our long-term partnership with Bhutan in the renewable energy sector. Patel Engineering is actively exploring further opportunities in hydropower development in Bhutan and other neighbouring countries, reaffirming our commitment to sustainable growth and regional collaboration”.
Back in January this year, the World Bank Group approved an $815m financing package to support development of the project.
