Kholongchu hydropower project construction to kick off by December

KHP authorities recently floated tenders for the construction of approach roads to the main components of the project, which include the dam, headrace tunnel and powerhouse.

Deputy project manager, D.K. Khandal, said tender documents for all works would be made available by 1 October.

"After the bidders submit their quotations, it would take about a month to evaluate the bids and award the work," he said.

After the winning bidder signs the agreement for the project, a mobilisation time of one month will be provided to the bidder.

"We're expecting the road constructions to begin by December, provided we don't encounter any problems," D.K. Khandal said. "If bidders don't qualify and we're required to re-tender the works, it would take more time."

Construction of the project components will begin after the roads are connected to the sites. Floating of tenders for the project components would depend on the time taken to complete road construction.

"We would schedule the floating of tenders such that construction of the components would start as soon as the roads are completed," D.K. Khandal said.

The whole project construction is expected to take eight years to complete.