Introduction
The Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (4 × 111 MW) is a run-of-the-river scheme located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, approximately 225 km from Rishikesh on NH-58.
The project envisages the construction of a 65 m high concrete diversion Dam, along with a 13.4 km long Head Race Tunnel (HRT) and a 3.04 km long Tail Race Tunnel (TRT). It harnesses a gross head of 237 m on the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganga River.
The project is designed to generate an Annual Design Energy of 1657.09 MU, considering 95% machine availability.
Commissioning of 1st Unit is targeted by Mar’27 and 4th Unit (last Unit) by Sep’27.
SALIENT FEATURES
A.LOCATION:
State Uttarakhand
Distt. Chamoli
River Alaknanda
B.RESERVOIR:
Full reservoir level E L 1267 m
Maximum water level E L 1269 m (PMF)
Minimum draw down level E L 1252.5 m
Gross storage at FRL 3.63 M cum
Live storage 2.47 M cum
C.DIVERSION ARRANGEMENT:
Diversion Tunnel:
Location Left bank
Length 500 m
Diameter, shape 10.50 m, Circular
Design Discharge 725 m3/sec
D.DIVERSION DAM:
Type Concrete, gravity dam
Height 65 m
Top Level EL 1270 m
Length 98.02 m (NOF 32.02 m, OF 66 m)
Gross Head 237.0 m
E.SPILLING ARRANGEMENT:
Sluices:
Nos. 4
Size of sluice 9 m (W) x 18.50 m (H)
Type of gate Radial
Design Discharge 8921 m3/sec
Diversion cum Spillway Tunnel:
Diameter, shape 10.50 m dia, Circular
Length 100 m
Design Discharge 1578 m3/sec
Ogee spillway
No. 1
Type of gate vertical
Size 6 m (W) x 10 m (H)
Crest EL EL 1257 m
Design Discharge 368 m3/sec
F.POWER INTAKE:
Location Right bank
Nos. 3
Type Straight intake with bell mouth
Maximum discharge 274.63m3/sec
Intake invert level EL 1242.5 m
Size 6.2 m modified Horse shoe type
G.DESILTING CHAMBER:
Nos. 3
Size 390m(L)x16m(W)x21.25m(H)
Particle size to be removed 0.2 mm & above
H. HEAD RACE TUNNEL:
Length 13.4 km (12.0 km by TBM)
Diameter 8.8 m
I. UPSTREAM SURGESHAFT:
Diameter 22/8m
Height 154 m
J.PRESSURE SHAFT:
Nos. 2 / 4
Type Circular
Diameter 5.2 m / 3.65 m
K.POWER HOUSE:
Type Underground
Size 146 m (L) x 20.3 m (W) x 48 m (H)
L. TRANSFORMER HALL
Type Underground
Size 140.3 m (L) x 15 m (W) x 25.5 m (H)
M.TAIL RACE TUNNEL:
Dia 9.1 m (Circular)
Length 3.07 km
N.POWER GENERATION:
Design Energy(95% M/c Availability) 1657.09 MU
Last Updated on 18/3/2026
