L&T’s Pakal Dul HEP TBM Marsu Assembled in J&K

Larsen & Toubro on Sunday completed assembly work on Herrenknecht tunnel boring machine Marsu (S1294A) – the 1st of 2 machines for the 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Jammu & Kashmir.

This under construction project in Drangdhuran, Kishtwar District by Chenab Valley Power Projects Pvt. Ltd. (CVPPPL) is estimated to cost Rs. 8112.12 crore. The project’s foundation stone was laid in May 2018, and upon completion in 2026 it will become the first storage project and the biggest hydroelectric project in the union territory.

The project will feature a 167 m deep Concrete Face Rock-fill Dam (CFRD), 2 circular 9.6 km long head race tunnels (7.5 km excavated by TBMs), and a 263m long main access tunnel (MAT).

Herrenknecht had completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) for Marsu in January 2022 – see some cool images here. The machine is 140m long and features a 180 ton 8.24m diameter Indian-flag cutterhead comprising of 44 cutters for excavation.

It’s name Marsu has been derived from Marusudar, the largest tributary of Chenab River. Assembly works started in December 2022 with assistance from Freight Wings’ equipment.

L&T is chasing a 54 month completion deadline and their scope also includes design and construction of a permanent bridge with a 110m long over River Chenab.

A contract for the project’s underground power house, which will feature four 250MW Francis turbines and generators, was awarded to Afcons – JAL JV in February 2018 by CVPPL.

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– TMRG