New Delhi, 11 June 2026: In a major step towards completion, CVPPL’s prestigious, 1000 MW, Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project, achieved first breakthrough of Head Race Tunnel-I being constructed by Tunnel Boring Machine. The Circular shaped, 7.2 meters’ diameter, approx. 7.35 kilometres of underground tunnel, with 2 km of overburden (rock cover), has been successfully completed with Hard Rock Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machine in Indian Himalayas.
The historic daylighting was achieved today in the virtual presence of CMD NHPC, Shri Bhupendra Gupta, along with all Directors & Senior Officers of NHPC connected online from Corporate Office Faridabad. Managing Director-CVPPL, Shri Ramesh Mukhiya and other Senior Officers had joined online from CVPPL Corporate Office Jammu.
Meanwhile, HoP- Pakal Dul HE Project, Shri Vishal Anand and senior project officials were present on the site at Drangdhuran to witness this important milestone. Major portions of the two HRTs, from Dool to Drangdhuran, are being constructed by TBMs engaged by M/s Larsen & Tubro and a minor portion has been constructed through traditional Drilling-Blasting Method by M/s JP Associates. Notwithstanding the geological challenges in the Chenab valley region, this largescale hydropower project is fast progressing towards its early commissioning.
On this occasion, CMD-NHPC, Chairman-CVPPL & MD-CVPPL expressed their immense gratitude towards the Government of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the special support provided to Pakal Dul HE Project and the Government of J&K for their continued support & cooperation in building the Project of national importance. He added that the project will play a decisive role in establishing the CVPPL, strengthening energy security, enhancing grid stability and contributing to the socio-economic development of UT of J&K.
