Rishikesh, 18 February 2026: THDC India Limited has successfully achieved the breakthrough of the 3.1 km long Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) of the 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP), a run-of-the-river project being developed in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Congratulating team VPHEP on this achievement, Sh. Sipan Kumar Garg, Chairman and Managing Director, THDCIL, stated that the milestone is a testament to the organisation’s technical excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Sh. Garg added that the successful breakthrough of the TRT demonstrates THDCIL’s strong project execution capability in difficult mountainous terrain and underscores its commitment to sustainable hydropower development. Upon commissioning, the 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project will contribute to provide reliable renewable energy, supporting India’s long-term clean energy and climate goals.
Tail Race Tunnel, constructed with a finished diameter of 9.2 metres, is a critical underground component of the project that channels water from the powerhouse back to the river after power generation. Over-lining work has already been completed over a length of 1 kilometre out of the total 3.1 km, reflecting steady progress towards final commissioning.
Sh. Kumar Shard, ED (Projects) also congratulated Team VPHEP on this achievement and added that the breakthrough of the TRT was achieved despite challenging geological conditions, with appropriate stabilization measures were systematically implemented during excavation. Through careful planning, continuous monitoring, and sustained technical efforts, the team successfully secured the final stretch and accomplished the breakthrough.
The event was graced by Sh. Ajay Verma, HoP (VPHEP),Sh. K.P. Singh, GM (TRT/PH/TBM), Sh. R.S. Rana, GM (EM), Sh. S.P. Dobhal, AGM (PH), Sh. Sanjay Mamgain, AGM (HM/Mechanical), Sh. Vinod Kumar, Project Manager (HCC) along with other senior officers of THDCIL and associated agencies.
