Patel Engg closes in on Rs. 9k-cr hydel project in J&K.

The government's move to fast-track infrastructure projects ahead of the elections in April has placed Mumbai-based Patel Engineering close to winning the bid for constructing a 1,000MW hydropower project. One of the largest in India, the project would cost nearly Rs. 9,000 crore (about $1.4 billion).

PSU capital goods major BHEL is the other partner in the consortium with Patel Engineering that has emerged as the lowest bidder among four bidders for constructing this power project in Jammu & Kashmir. Limak of Turkey is the third consortium partner in the project.

The request for proposal for the project was floated in 2011 and it has taken nearly three years to close in on the top bidders for the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project in Doda district in J&K. The hydroelectric project will be operated by Chenab Valley Power Projects, a joint venture between PSU majors NHPC and PTC India, and also J&K State Power Development Corp (JKSPDC).

THE TIMES OF INDIA