Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited (KHEL) and Trashigang-based Rigsar Construction Private Limited (RCPL) of the Rigsar-Valecha JV, signed a tunnel construction contract worth more than Nu 3.35 Billion yesterday.
The joint venture company will construct 12.3km of the 16.3km Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of KHEL project. The upstream and downstream portions measuring more than 4km of the 16.3km fall under the dam and powerhouse contract packages.
KHEL earlier signed a tunnel construction contract with Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL) worth about Nu 1 Billion. The construction of the tunnel forms one of the three main civil contract packages.
“Engagement of Bhutanese firms in such major undertakings is expected to fulfil the country’s aspiration for filling the gap in taking up subterranean projects and other major engineering contracts such as those in hydropower constructions,” a press release from KHEL stated.
It also stated that such ventures would provide the Bhutanese firms multi-dimensional experiences in handling engineering and geological problems and providing solutions, project management skills for large contracts and gain expertise in large fund management.