World Bank supports Indian hydroelectric project

The World Bank has loaned US$ 648 million to Indian state-owned power company THDC India to finance a 444 MW hydroelectric project.

The Vishnugad Pipalkoti hydroelectric plant on the Alaknanda River in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand involves the construction of a 65 m diversion dam to create a small reservoir, and a 13.4 km tunnel to carry the water to an underground power station. All the diverted water will then be returned to the river.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2013.