Cost estimate for Srinagar HEP revised

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission approved the increased capital expenditure for the 330 MW Srinagar hydroelectric power project of Alaknanda Hydro Power Company Limited.

The costs have been increased, largely on account of additional quantities required, as per the new design approved by the National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters, and due to geological surprises encountered during the implementation of the project.

Other factors, including surge in Resettlement and Rehabilitation costs, land acquisition issues, Environmental Impact Assessment  and Environmental Impact Assessment  studies, additional manpower requirement etc., have contributed to the rise in the cost.

The revised capital cost stands at Rs 3675.16 crore, which is Rs 977.46 crore more than the provisional cost originally approved for the project.

The 330 MW Srinagar Hydro Electric power project is a run-of-the river hydro project situated in Srinagar on river Alaknanda, a major tributary of the Ganga River, a perennial river in Uttarakhand. It will have four 82.5 MW vertical Francis turbines designed for 66 meters of head and 560 m3 of design flow, annually generating 1,600 GWh. The power project is estimated to begin commerciaal operation in July, 2011.