NHPC lagging behind in commissioning Uri-II hydro project

NHPC is running behind the commissioning schedule for its Uri-II hydro-electric project, with the project now expected to commence commercial operations in December 2011.

As per the MoU target, the HEP was to to go on stream in November 2011.

The project has seen progress towards completion of the head race tunnel (HRT) lining in the month of September, a milestone critical for the 240 MW HEP. The balance works are yet to be finished, with 32 m of overt lining and 40 m of inert lining completed during the month.

The box up work for unit-3 has been completed and installation of turbine generator parts is also nearing completion in unit 4.

On the other hand, the works associated with tail race tunnel lining need to be expedited. The progress of inert lining fell short of its target, with only 208 m out of 781 m achieved during the month. No progress on overt lining worsened the situation at the project site.

The Uri-II HEP involves construction of a 52 m high concrete gravity dam, a horse shoe shaped 4.23 km long head race tunnel of 8.4 m diameter, a restricted orifice type surge shaft of 25 m diameter, a 3.61 km long tail race tunnel  and an underground power house of dimension 133m x15m x40m to accommodate four units of 60 MW capacity each.