In Sikkim, the 99 mw Chujachen hydro-electric power project, which was started in 2004, is now ready for commissioning. Gati Infrastructure, Zonal Manager Khabrani said on February 25 that they are presently testing all components of the Chujachen hydro-power project for final commissioning and once completed, the government will be asked to inaugurate it.

The Chujachen project comprises two dams, one at Rangpo at a height of 48.5 m and one in Rongli with a dam height of 41 m. The two dams will generate 49.5 mw each adding up to a total of 99 mw. There are three Head Race Tunnels at Rongli and at Rangpo and one common for the two dams.

The original cost of the project was Rs 448.76 crore which has been revised to Rs 1,044.50 crore. Sikkim government is expected to get 14 per cent free power from the project and also earn Rs 20 crore per annum in revenue, sources said. It is expected that with the commissioning of this project, the power woes of Sikkim will be further alleviated, official sources said.