Whalesbook
NHPC Ltd. has initiated a significant procurement process, floating a ₹5,129.03 crore tender for major civil and hydro-mechanical works at its 1,856 megawatt Sawalkot hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir. This move is a key step in accelerating construction on one of India's under-development hydro assets.
The tender, issued on February 5, 2026, calls for online bids under domestic competitive bidding for the project's Lot-1 package. The scope encompasses complex construction elements including diversion tunnels, coffer dams, access tunnels, associated roads, and essential hydro-mechanical installations for water control. The ambitious project carries a completion timeline of 108 months, or nine years.
Stringent Bidder Requirements
Companies seeking to bid must demonstrate substantial experience in large dam construction, long tunnel excavation, and the installation of heavy hydro-mechanical gates. Furthermore, bidders need robust financial standing, requiring an average annual turnover of at least ₹604 crore over the past two years and working capital not less than ₹95 crore. The bidding process involves a two-part evaluation (technical and financial) followed by an electronic reverse auction. The deadline for online bid submission is March 20, 2026, with techno-commercial bids scheduled for opening on March 24.
Strategic Energy Imperative
The Sawalkot project, situated in the Ramban district on the Chenab river, is central to India's strategy for harnessing hydropower potential in the Himalayan region. The accelerated focus on Chenab basin projects gains strategic importance given the nation's previous suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty amid escalated diplomatic tensions.
A senior government official emphasized that storage-based hydropower is increasingly vital for balancing intermittent solar and wind power. Projects like Sawalkot are expected to be instrumental in ensuring grid stability and providing round-the-clock clean electricity. This development is also anticipated to generate significant employment and drive infrastructure growth in the region.