Pakal Dul HEP Head Race Tunnels

The Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Power Scheme is a 1 GW hydropower project under construction in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture of NHPC (49%), Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (49%), and PTC India (2%), the scheme forms an important part of India’s renewable energy expansion strategy. Located in the Himalayan region, the project contributes to long-term energy security and sustainable infrastructure development while requiring advanced underground engineering in a remote, high-mountain environment.

Construction commenced in May 2018, with commissioning targeted for July 2025. The tunnelling works involve high overburdens, complex Himalayan geology, and demanding access and logistics, placing the scheme among the most technically challenging hydroelectric developments in the Indian Himalayas. Andreas Tauschinger acted as senior advisor to the contractor, Larsen & Toubro, on tunnelling strategy and project organisation, supporting the delivery of this highly complex infrastructure project.