Dibrugarh: In what marks a defining chapter in India’s hydropower history, the Generator Rotor of Unit 5 of NHPC’s 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) — weighing a colossal 673 metric tonnes and the heaviest piece of equipment ever handled in a hydroelectric power plant in India — was successfully lowered into the generator pit on Sunday, bringing the long-delayed and closely watched project another critical step closer to full operationalisation.The feat was accomplished through meticulous planning, precision engineering and seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved, marking a landmark moment in the electro-mechanical erection works of the project. The executing agency for the operation was M/s GE Vernova, whose technical expertise was instrumental in ensuring the safe and precise lowering of the record-breaking rotor.
Rajendra Prasad, executive director and head of the Subansiri Lower Project, congratulated the entire project team and the executing agency on achieving the historic engineering milestone. “This is a proud moment not just for NHPC, but for India’s hydropower sector as a whole. The successful lowering of the heaviest rotor ever handled in an Indian hydro plant is a testament to the skill, dedication and perseverance of our teams,” he said.The successful lowering of the rotor is expected to pave the way for the boxing-up activities of Unit 5, thereby expediting the testing and commissioning process. With this achievement, the project moves decisively closer to commissioning five units aggregating 1,250 MW out of the total eight units — each of 250 MW capacity — that together comprise the 2,000 MW installed capacity.
