L&T’s Pakal Dul Project TBM Passes Factory Tests

Herrenknecht AG this month completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) on Larsen & Toubro’s first tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Jammu & Kashmir.

This under construction project in Village Drangdhuran, Kishtwar District is estimated to cost Rs. 8112.12 crore, and its foundation stone was laid in May 2018. Upon completion in 2026, it will become the biggest hydroelectric project in the Union Territory and the first storage project.

It will feature a 167 m deep Concrete Face Rock-fill Dam (CFRD), 2 circular head race tunnels with a diameter of 7.2m and length of 7700 meters each, and a 263m long main access tunnel (MAT).

Larsen & Toubro is constructing the head race tunnels and will deploy 2 Herrenknecht TBMs. The first machine (1294A) has been named Marsu after Marusudar, the largest tributary of Chenab River.

L&T is chasing a 54 month completion deadline and their scope also includes design and construction of a permanent bridge with a span of 110m over River Chenab.

A contract for the project’s underground power house, which will feature four 250MW Francis turbines and generators, was awarded to Afcons – JAL JV in February 2018 by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL).

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– TMRG