“The first unit of 111 MW Sawra Kuddu Hydro Electric Project will start generating power by April, 2020. Process of filling Head Race Tunnel of project will start shortly. The water shall be made available at Main Inlet Valve of Power House of project by March, 2020” informed Sh. D.S. Thakur, Director Civil), HPPCL while addressing local public and media at Hatkoti today.Sh. D. S. Thakur said that execution of the project started in June, 2007. The main bottle neck in the construction of this project was excavation of 11.365 km head race tunnel, because of the adverse geological rock conditions encountered during the course of excavation. Despite the adverse geological conditions encountered during the excavation Head Race Tunnel of the project had to be driven through rock strata with high ingress of water along with flowing rock conditions at various locations. It had to be tackled very cautiously and with high engineering proficiency. HPPCL engineers worked hard day and night to overcome the difficulties faced. The work of the Barrage was awarded to M/s Patel Construction Company and Head Race Tunnel was initially awarded to M/s Aban Coastal joint venture in June, 2007. The barrage was completed in time but due to dismal performance by M/s Aban Coastal joint venture the work contract was terminated in January,2014.
The balance works were subsequently awarded to M/s Hindustan Construction Company Ltd. in November 2014.This project comprises a diversion barrage on river Pabbar near Hatkoti and underground power house on the left bank of river Pabbar near village Snail.The project will generate 386 Million Units per annum in a 90 % dependable year earning a revenue of Rs.115 Crore to the State Government. It has 11.365 km long, 5 m finished diameter head race tunnel (HRT) and three 37 MW Francis Turbines (3 X 37 MW).After commissioning each project affected family will be provided 100 units of electricity per month for a period of 10 years. In addition 1% of revenue from power generation shall be contributed towards LADF during the operation stage. Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. has already commissioned two hydroelectric projects namely Sainj Hydroelectric Project (100 MW) and Kashang Hydro Electric Project Stage-1 (65 MW) in September, 2017. HPPCL has also commissioned a 5 MW Solar Power Project constructed at Berro Dol near Sri Naina Deviji Shrine in Bilaspur District in 2019. The works of Shongtong Karchham Hydro Electric Project (450 MW) are going on smoothly at all faces.