In 2005 GMR Energy signed an agreement with the Government of Uttarakhand (also known as Uttaranchal) in northern India to develop a 140MW hydroelectric power plant on the Alaknanda river, approximately 3km downstream of the Badrinath Hindu shrine.
The agreement gives GMR Energy a 45-year concession to build, own and operate the plant, which will help to satisfy seasonal power demand in the region.
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After signing the agreement, GMR Energy appointed Halcrow to prepare a detailed report for the project, including topographic surveys, geological site investigations and hydrological studies.
The project comprises a 40m high dam, a 3km long headrace tunnel and underground penstock leading to an underground power station with two 70MW run of river turbines. The total head of water on the project is 480m.
The new power plant is being built in the Chamoli district, which lies in a seismic zone on the edge of the Himalayas. The location has snowfall for between four and six months a year, so construction cannot take place during the winter. As a result it is anticipated that it will take about six years - double the norm - to complete, and commercial electricity production will begin in 2011 or 2012.