The first unit of 111 MW Sawra Kuddu Hydroelectric project in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh will begin power generation by April 2020.
The process of filling headrace tunnel will commence shortly. The execution of the project began in June 2007. The main bottleneck in the construction of the project was excavation of 11.365 km headrace tunnel owing to adverse geological rock conditions.
The work of the barrage was awarded to Patel Construction Company, while headrace tunnel was initially awarded to Aban Coastal joint venture in June 2007.
However, in November 2014, the barrage construction was carried out by Hindustan Construction Company.
The project comprises a diversion barrage on the Pabbar river near Hatkoti and underground powerhouse on the left bank of the river near Snail village.
The project will generate 386 million units per annum in a 90 per cent dependable year, earning a revenue of Rs 115 crore to the state.
It has 11.365 km long, 5 mtr finished diameter headrace tunnel and three 37 MW Francis turbines.
Each project-affected family will be provided 100 units of electricity per month free for 10 years once the project is commissioned. In addition, one percent of the revenue from power generation will be contributed towards local area development during the operation stage.