NTPC Kol Dam Hydro Eletric plant unlikely to be commissioned before 2012

National Thermal Power Corporation's (NTPC) optimism with regards to commissioning its first ever Hydroelectric Project (HEP), the 800 MW Kol Dam, in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, by the end of year 2011, now seems to be crumbling. Having dealt with issues like right bank slide and seepage problems in the main dam clay core area, the company seemed poised to commission all the 4 units of the project by December 2011. However, the pace of the site work has been affected due to the slow progress being made in certain critical areas. For instance only about 50% of the clay filling in the main dam area has been completed. Furthermore, grouting of dam galleries, concreting of spillway and procurement of steel and concrete for the spillway are also matters of concern for NTPC. However, on a more positive note, the progress of work in other areas seems to be in line with the latest commissioning schedule. Excavation in the dam area has been completed, and that in the spillway area is progressing at a steady pace. Furthermore, erection of penstock liners has also been completed. Unit-1 was boxed-up in October 2009 and the spiral casing welding and hydro pressure testing have been concluded for Unit-4.

The Kol Dam HEP envisages the construction of a 163 m high main dam, with a rock and gravel fill and clay core, a 1600 m long penstock tunnel of 6.45 m diameter, surface type powerhouse, two diversion tunnels of 900m and 920m length and Francis turbines. The project faces an estimated cost schedule of Rs 4257.15 crore, and is likely to be commissioned by March 2012, with efforts.