Mumbai-based Patel Engineering Limited (PEL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL) for pre-construction works of the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project in Bhutan. The contract, valued at BTN/INR 230.70 crore (excluding taxes), covers Package-I works for the project, which is being developed as Bhutan’s largest hydropower venture under the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited is a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (Bhutan) and Tata Power Company Limited (India). The project is aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s domestic energy capacity while enabling the export of surplus clean electricity to India, thereby enhancing regional energy security.
Under the awarded package, Patel Engineering will carry out civil and hydromechanical works, including the construction of two diversion tunnels of 11.0-metre diameter with lengths of 930 metres and 821 metres, an intermediate adit of 7-metre finished diameter and 116 metres in length, and a D-shaped highway road tunnel measuring 11 m × 7.5 m with a length of 500 metres. The scope also includes hydromechanical works involving four sets of vertical lift fixed wheel gates.
The project is located about 7 km from Autsho town in Mongar Dzongkhag, Bhutan, and is considered a key infrastructure development for the region. The construction period for the contract is 300 days, followed by a defects notification period of one year.
Commenting on the award, Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director of Patel Engineering Limited, said the company is honoured to be part of the prestigious hydropower project. She noted that hydropower remains central to Bhutan’s energy strategy and added that the company sees the project as an opportunity to deliver advanced engineering solutions while strengthening its long-term partnership with Bhutan in the renewable energy sector. She also stated that the company is exploring further opportunities in hydropower development in Bhutan and neighbouring countries as part of its commitment to sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
With the latest order, Patel Engineering continues to expand its presence in the renewable energy and hydropower segment. Established in 1949, the company has a strong track record in hydropower, tunnelling, and irrigation infrastructure, having completed more than 85 dams, 40 hydroelectric projects, and over 300 kilometres of tunnelling works for central public sector undertakings and state government organisations in India and abroad.
