Unresolved contractual issues hamper progress of Parbati-II HEP works

The pending resolution of contractual issues has led to severe time and cost overruns for completion of work related to the head race tunnel (HRT) and other critical activities at NHPC's Parbati-II hydro electric project (HEP). More delays are now expected since no solution seems to be in sight, despite numerous negotiations held between the state-owned equipment major, BHEL and NHPC.

No progress on HRT overt lining works in August has forced NHPC to carry forward the balance quantity to be finished in the coming month. Barely half of the lining has been laid out during the month, with 16,012 m of overt lining still remaining to be completed for the project. Moreover, 4,915 m of HRT needs to be excavated as per schedule to avoid any further delay in project commissioning.

Also, in the sphere of electro mechanical (E&M) works, the power house (PH) activities were suspended due to slide of backhill slope. Although the work has resumed, the progress is not up to the mark for the project.

In contrast to this, the retendering of Manihar Pancha and Jiwa Nallah feeder tunnels has progressed smoothly. With the excavation done so far, 59 m and 1291 m for the two tunnels respectively, remains to be completed.

Parbati-II HEP, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, entails the construction of a 85 m high, concrete gravity dam, a 6 m x 31.52 km Head Race Tunnel, a 17 m x 130 m surge shaft, 2 m x 3.5m x 2133 m pilot shaft, a surface power house, pelton turbine and a 400 kV switchyard.