India's National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has awarded the US$68.4M headrace tunnel contract for Loharinag Pala hydroelectric power project to Patel Engineering.

The 600MW Loharinag Pala project is a run-of-river scheme situated on the river Bhagirathi in the Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal.

Patel Engineering’s contract will involve construction of a 6m diameter, 13km long horseshoe shaped concrete lined headrace tunnel on the right bank of the Bhagirathi. The tunnel will be executed through three access adits using the drill and blast technique.

The Loharinag Pala project is expected to be completed in 38 months.