NHPC achieves HRT breakthrough at Teesta-VI project

NHPC Limited completed the breakthrough of Head Race Tunnel (HRT) Phase-5A and 6A of the Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project on March 27, 2026. The development marks a construction milestone for the project.

CMD (Chairman and Managing Director) Bhupender Gupta stated that the breakthrough reflects the company’s technical capability and coordinated execution. He acknowledged the contribution of project teams and extended best wishes for the subsequent phases.

NHPC stated that the breakthrough was achieved despite difficult geological conditions, complex formations, and adverse weather. The company noted that the work involved coordinated efforts across engineering teams, technical experts, and contractors to complete the tunnel sections.

The Teesta-VI project is located at Sirwani village in Sikkim and is designed to harness the power potential of the Teesta river basin in a cascade configuration. The scheme comprises a 26.5 metre high barrage across the Teesta, two horseshoe-shaped head race tunnels of 9.8 metre diameter and 13.76 kilometre length each, and an underground powerhouse with four units of 125 MW each. The project is expected to generate 2,400 million units (MU) in a 90% dependable year against an installed capacity of 500 MW. 

With the completion of this stage, the project is set to progress to the next phases of construction. Shri Anil Kumar Dash, Executive Director and Project Head, along with senior officials and representatives of executing agencies, were present at the site during the breakthrough.

Photo credit: NHPC/LinkedIn