The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity board in India is planning to implement the 7MW Shalvi hydro power project at Chopal in Shimla district. The project is estimated to cost Rs598.55M (US$13.4M) and envisages the installation of two 3.5MW units to supply electricity to the interior areas of Chopal Tehsil.

The project will involve the construction of a 20m trench weir; an underground desilting tank; a water conductor system comprising a D-shaped tunnel; and a surface power house with two horizontal axis Francis turbines connected to two 3.5MW generators.

Meanwhile, Kerala State Electricity Board will renovate, modernise and uprate the Sabrigiri hydro power project in Pathanamthitta district where six 50MW units are operating. Pre-qualification bids were invited globally in May 2000 for implementing the scheme on a turnkey basis with a financial package.

Finally, the Assam State Electricity Board has agreed to implement the 100MW Karbi Langpi (Lower Borpani) hydro power project across the river Borpani in Karbi Anglong district.

The scheme will involve the installation of two 50MW generating sets. Gammon India will take on the contract valued at Rs641.3M (US$14.4M) for the construction of the concrete dam and appurtenant works. The scheme is being partly funded by the Power Finance Corporation.

Work began on the project in April 2000 with commissioning expected within 30 months.