The Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of Kishanganga Hydro Electric Project of NHPC Limited, located in Bandipora District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was completed on 10th June 2014. The tunneling was completed within 37 months from its starting date by Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). TBM Tunneling of HRT of 14.75 kms was completed 7 months ahead of its original scheduled date of completion. This milestone was achieved in adverse geological conditions passing through rock cover as high as 1400 m and is a first for such a project in Indian Himalayas. This achievement was accomplished with an average monthly progress @400 m/month against target of 300 m/month. Shri J.K. Sharma, Director (Projects) was present on this occasion and appreciated the project team, who were involved in achieving this major breakthrough. The event was witnessed by Shri Shiv Kumar, Executive Director (PMSG), Shri Om Prakash, Executive Director (Jammu), Shri K.D. Sah, General Manager (Kishanganga), Shri Khalid Umar, Chief Engineer (Kishanganga) and senior officers of the Project.
The project will generate 1350 MU on completion and will enable additional energy generation of 363.57 MU from downstream power stations like Uri-I, Uri-II and Lower Jhelum. 12% free power and additional 1% power for local area development in addition to allocation of power as per power sharing will be provided to J&K State from this project.
