NHPC Ltd. has awarded a ₹239.98 crore contract to Patel Engineering Ltd. for civil and hydro-mechanical works on the Teesta-V Power Station in South Sikkim. The 18-month project includes modifying the diversion tunnel into a tunnel spillway arrangement, construction of key elements, and environmental flow tunnel. PEL is working on NHPCs Teesta-VI HEP.
In a key development for India’s hydropower infrastructure, Patel Engineering Ltd has secured a contract worth ₹239.98 crore for executing tunnel spillway works at the Teesta-V Hydro Electric Project in Sikkim. The contract was awarded by NHPC Limited, a premier government-owned hydropower company, as part of its ongoing effort to enhance water discharge capacity and dam safety in the Himalayan region. This project is expected to strengthen the spillway system by enabling better management of high flood discharge during monsoons, while also extending the operational efficiency of the dam.
NHPC Limited
🔗 https://www.nhpcindia.com/
About the Teesta-V Project
The Teesta-V Hydro Electric Project, located on the Teesta River in East Sikkim, is a 510 MW operational hydropower plant that has been running under the ownership of (Green Energy). Commissioned in 2008, it is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the Northeast region of India and plays a crucial role in regional power supply. The latest civil works awarded to Patel Engineering focus on improving water diversion tunnels, spillway capacity, and dam outflow systems to meet current and future hydrological challenges.
Scope of the Contract
Patel Engineering will be responsible for detailed construction of spillway tunnels, excavation of the tunnel portal, concrete lining, and installation of necessary hydraulic structures and safety components. This project will involve high-altitude tunneling and geotechnical expertise, areas in which Patel Engineering has proven capability through earlier works like the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. The works will follow advanced engineering protocols to withstand seismic activity and high-pressure flow conditions commonly encountered in Himalayan river systems.
Strategic Importance
The awarded contract forms part of NHPC’s broader push toward strengthening India’s hydropower ecosystem, especially in light of climate-induced shifts in river flow patterns. Projects like Teesta-V are essential to maintaining energy security in the north-eastern region, which relies heavily on hydropower for base load requirements. According to the hydropower is set to contribute significantly to India’s renewable mix as it provides grid balancing and energy storage advantages. Strengthening such infrastructure ensures disaster resilience and supports long-term water management goals.
Patel Engineering’s Portfolio and Role
Established in 1949, Patel Engineering is a leading player in civil construction with specialisation in hydroelectric, irrigation, and tunnelling projects. The company’s expanding portfolio includes challenging terrain projects across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Its selection for this Sikkim-based work highlights its continued credibility in handling technically demanding contracts. More recently, Patel Engineering also worked on the Ranjit-IV Hydroelectric Project, showcasing its experience in Northeast India’s rugged landscapes.
Looking Ahead
This ₹239.98 crore contract reflects India’s commitment to modernising existing hydropower assets, ensuring climate resilience, and building infrastructure that aligns with As Patel Engineering takes on this critical task, the project is expected to not only bolster local employment but also contribute to safer, more efficient power generation from one of the country’s most strategically located river basins.
q1. What is the value of the contract awarded to Patel Engineering?
Patel Engineering secured a contract worth ₹239.98 crore for tunnel spillway works at the Teesta-V project.
q2. Who awarded the Teesta-V tunnel contract to Patel Engineering?
The contract was awarded by NHPC Limited, a leading government-owned hydropower company.
q3. Where is the Teesta-V Hydro Electric Project located?
The Teesta-V project is located in East Sikkim, India.
q4. What does the project scope include?
It includes tunnel excavation, concrete lining, spillway construction, and hydraulic safety installations.
q5. Why is this project significant?
It will enhance flood management and boost the efficiency and safety of hydropower generation in the region.
