RISHIKESH – THDC India Limited has officially launched a domestic competitive bidding process for the development of Package II of the Kalai II Hydroelectric Project. With a massive total capacity of 1,200 MW, this project represents a significant addition to India’s renewable energy infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.

Project Scope and Technical Specifications

The contract, valued at an estimated INR 1,588.75 crore (including GST), focuses on critical diversion and infrastructure works. The successful bidder will be responsible for a comprehensive scope of civil and hydro-mechanical engineering, including:

Diversion Tunnels: Construction of five circular diversion tunnels, each with a 14.4-meter finished diameter.

Coffer Dams: Building an upstream coffer dam (32.7 meters high) and a downstream coffer dam (21 meters high), featuring diaphragm cutoff walls.

Road Infrastructure: Development of an 1,837-meter long, 8-meter diameter road tunnel on the right bank.

Hydro-Mechanical Works: Installation of ten vertical lift fixed-wheel gates for the diversion tunnels.

Bidding Timeline and Process

The tender is being managed via the Central Public Procurement Portal (eprocure.gov.in) using a single-stage, two-envelope system. Key dates for interested parties include:

Bid Submission Start: December 27, 2025

Pre-Bid Conference: January 12, 2026 (11:00 AM at THDC, Rishikesh)

Deadline for Submissions: January 27, 2026 (3:00 PM)

Execution Timeline: 31.5 months from the date of commencement.

Eligibility Criteria

THDC has set stringent qualifying requirements to ensure technical excellence. Bidders must have proven experience in drill and blast tunneling, dam construction, and hydro-mechanical works.

Financially, lead bidders or consortiums must demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of INR 642 crore over the last two financial years, a positive net worth, and a minimum bid capacity of INR 1,346.4 crore.

This project underscores THDC’s commitment to expanding India's hydropower footprint and enhancing the energy stability of the southern grid.