Patel Engineering Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the restoration and development of the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project in West Kameng district. The move marks an important step in strengthening clean energy infrastructure in India’s Northeast and reviving stalled hydropower assets in the state.
The Gongri Hydroelectric Project is located near Dirang town on the Gongri river, a tributary of the Bichom river in the Kameng basin. The project had earlier been terminated but has now been revived under the “Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Policy under Special Circumstances, 2025.” The state cabinet recently approved the revival, making Gongri the first hydropower project to be restored under this new policy framework.
The total estimated project cost stands at around ₹1,700 crore, with an expected construction and development timeline of approximately four years. Once completed, the project is expected to add significant renewable energy capacity to the region and support grid stability.
The revival of the Gongri Hydropower Project aligns with Arunachal Pradesh’s broader vision of a “Decade of Hydropower,” which aims to position hydropower as a key driver of the state’s economic growth. In addition to clean power generation, the project is expected to create local employment, improve regional infrastructure, and support sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
As per the MoU, Patel Engineering will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project. This includes preparation and validation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), engineering and design of the hydroelectric system, and procurement of all required electro-mechanical equipment. The company will also undertake construction of the dam, powerhouse, and associated civil works, along with installation and commissioning of turbines and generators. The scope further includes development of transmission infrastructure for grid connectivity and post-commissioning operation and maintenance.
The Gongri Hydropower Project will be implemented on a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) basis with a lease period of 40 years. After the completion of the lease term, ownership and operational control of the project will be transferred to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.