Patel Engineering Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to restore and develop the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project in West Kameng district. The agreement marks an important step in strengthening renewable energy capacity in India’s northeastern region.
Situated near Dirang town on the Gongri River, a tributary of the Bichom River within the Kameng basin, the Gongri project had earlier been discontinued. It has now been brought back under the state’s newly introduced Arunachal Pradesh Restoration of Terminated Large Hydropower Projects under Special Circumstances Policy, 2025. The project is the first to be revived following approval by the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet under this framework.
With an estimated investment of approximately ₹1,700 crore, the hydropower project is expected to be completed over a period of four years. Its revival supports the state’s vision of ushering in a “Decade of Hydropower,” positioning clean energy as a major economic driver. In addition to power generation, the project is expected to create local employment, enhance infrastructure, and contribute to long-term sustainable development.
Under the terms of the MoU, Patel Engineering will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle. This includes preparation and validation of the Detailed Project Report, engineering and design, procurement of electro-mechanical equipment, and construction of the dam, powerhouse, and associated civil works. The scope also covers installation and commissioning of turbines and generators, development of transmission systems for grid integration, and post-commissioning operations and maintenance. The project will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis with a lease period of 40 years, after which ownership will revert to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
Commenting on the development, Managing Director Kavita Shirvaikar said that the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to clean energy and responsible development, while unlocking the hydro potential of the region and delivering socio-economic benefits to local communities.
Patel Engineering Limited, established in 1949, has over seven decades of experience in hydropower, tunnelling, and irrigation. The company has executed more than 85 dams, 40 hydropower projects, and over 300 km of tunnelling in India and overseas.
