NHPC Ltd. has extended the deadline for bids to construct civil works of the powerhouse complex of the 2,000-MW Subansiri Lower hydroelectric project on the Subansiri River in India's Arunachal Pradesh State. Bids now are due for October 21.

NHPC previously called for bids by July 31. Work on the project began in 2005 but has been delayed by protesters concerned about the project's effects, including on fisheries and downstream populations. The run-of-river project consists of a concrete gravity dam and powerhouse that had been scheduled for completion in 2014.

Also proposed in Arunachal Pradesh are the 1,800-MW Subansiri Upper and 1,600-MW Subansiri Middle projects.

NHPC seeks online electronic bids for construction of the balance of civil works of the Subansiri Lower powerhouse complex from the headrace tunnel intake structures to the tailrace channel. The solicitation may be viewed and tenders submitted via the Internet site www.mstcecommerce.com/eprochome/nhpc or under "eprocurement" at the NHPC website, www.nhpcindia.com. Documents may be obtained for a fee of 40,000 rupees (US$630) and a transaction fee of 15,000 rupees (US$236) for access to the online tender. Online bids now are due by 11 a.m. October 21.

For information, see www.mstcecommerce.com/eprochome/nhpc

or

contact: H.N. Satyanarayana, Chief Engineer (CC-I) 2nd Floor, NHPC Office Complex, Sector 33, Faridabad 121003. email: hnsatyanarayana2@nhpc.nic.in;

Internet: www.nhpcindia.com.