Larsen & Toubro, in collaboration with Patel Engineering, has bagged an order valued at Rs.439.07 crore from National Hydroelectric Power Corporation for execution of the 520 MW Parbati Hydroelectric Power project (Stage III) in Himachal Pradesh.

The scope of work includes undertaking river diversion, construction of the rockfill dam, intake, desilting chambers, a 5.8 km head-race tunnel and associated works. The contract will be completed within 56 months (by July 2010).

The hydropower project is located on the Sainj, a tributary of the Beas River, in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

ProjectsToday adds:

This is for the first time that L&T and Patel Engineering are jointly executing any project. In December 2005, it was learnt that the two companies are keen on forming a joint venture to take up development of hydropower projects on BOT basis. The Parbati hydropower contract marks the beginning of the association.

While Patel Engineering has been active in the Indian hydropower sector, L&T has experience in Bhutan's hydel sector. L&T ultimately intends to enter the power sector as an independent power producer.

On 24 January 2006, a consortium of Gammon India and Jager bagged a civil contract (scope of work unknown) worth Rs.628.92 crore for the same project.