Patel Engineering signs MoU to revive 144 MW Gongri hydropower project

Patel Engineering Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the restoration and development of the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project in West Kameng district. The project revival is part of the state’s efforts to expand hydropower capacity in the Northeast.

The Gongri Hydroelectric Project is located near Dirang town on the Gongri river, a tributary of the Bichom river in the Kameng basin. The project was earlier terminated and has now been revived under the Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025. The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the restoration, making Gongri the first project revived under this policy framework.

The total project cost is estimated at Rs 1,700 crore, with an expected construction period of around four years. The state government has positioned the revival within its broader “Decade of Hydropower” vision, which aims to strengthen hydropower’s contribution to the state economy while supporting clean energy generation, local employment, and infrastructure development.

Under the MoU, Patel Engineering will execute the full project lifecycle. This includes preparation and validation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), engineering and design of the hydroelectric system, and procurement of electro mechanical equipment. The scope also covers construction of the dam, powerhouse, and associated civil works, installation and commissioning of turbines and generators, development of transmission infrastructure, and post commissioning operation and maintenance.

The project will be implemented on a Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) basis for a lease period of 40 years. After the lease period, ownership and operational control will be transferred to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director Ms. Kavita Shirvaikar said the partnership reflects the company’s focus on renewable energy development and aims to deliver socio economic benefits alongside clean power generation in the region.

Separately, Patel Engineering recently completed excavation work in Surge Gallery 2, marking a key construction milestone for the Kwar Hydro Electric Project.

The featured photograph (Source: Tata Power) is for representation only.