The tender period for the ambitious project to replace 32 crest gates at the historic Tungabhadra Dam has been extended by one week, following the lack of participation from eligible firms.
Originally scheduled to be opened on Monday, the e-tender did not attract any bids from companies qualified to execute large-scale works exceeding ₹60 crore. This unexpected development has prompted the Tungabhadra Board to push the deadline to May 5, giving more time for capable contractors to come forward.
“The e-tender was supposed to be opened on Monday. However, no companies capable of handling large works costing more than ₹60 crore participated in the tender. Therefore, its deadline has been extended by a week. The tender will be opened on May 5,” a Tungabhadra Board official confirmed.
The replacement of the dam’s crest gates is a critical component of the ongoing modernization efforts. These gates play a vital role in regulating water flow, ensuring structural safety, and managing irrigation supplies across the region.
Meanwhile, work on the installation of the 33rd crest gate — a separate but related task — is expected to commence in the second week of May. The timely completion of these upgrades is essential for the dam’s operational readiness ahead of the monsoon season.
The Tungabhadra Dam, built across the Tungabhadra River, is a lifeline for agriculture and drinking water supply in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The current gate replacement project is seen as a major infrastructure boost, aimed at prolonging the dam’s service life and enhancing its efficiency.