THDC Signs Tripartite MoU for Slope Stability of Vaishno Devi Yatra Route in J&K

Rishikesh, 08-04-2025: Sh. R. K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director, conveyed that THDCIL being a premier Central PSU in the Power Sector, has consistently displayed excellence by establishing new Bench-Marks in Energy Sector. THDCIL having its core strength in Hydro Energy, has also demonstrated its expertise in high-end engineering solutions, particularly in the fields of slope stabilization, landslide mitigation, and geotechnical consultancy, particularly in challenging Himalayan Geology. 

Besides, its firm commitment towards the National Power Policy, ‘for providing affordable, 24X7 reliable Power to all,’ it has always endeavoured to give back to the Society and contribute for up-liftment of masses and the over all progress of the Nation. Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, is a source of immense faith and reverence amongst the masses in the Country and strengthening its role as a trusted technical partner, THDCIL has signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shrine Board of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra, J&K, and the Geological Survey of India.

The Agreement, formalized on April 8, 2025, at the Central Office of the Shrine Board in Katra, J&K, aims to conduct Slope Stability Studies along the Yatra Route leading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in the Union Territory of J&K. Through this collaboration, THDCIL will leverage its extensive experience in Slope Stability analysis, geotechnical and geophysical investigations and designing of State-of-Art stability measures ensuring long-term safety and resilience of the pilgrimage route.

Sh. Vishnoi added that THDCIL has a dedicated Consultancy Wing within its Design & Engineering Department, offering end-to-end engineering solutions in the fields of water resource engineering and high-end engineering services at both national and international levels. The company provides expert solutions to Central and State government bodies, as well as other statutory authorities, particularly in the fields of landslide mitigation and slope stabilization.

Over the years, THDCIL has signed several MoUs for consultancy services across the country. Previously, THDCIL has extended its expertise by providing Design & Engineering services to the Royal Government of Bhutan for updating Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Bunakha (180 MW) and Sankosh (2585 MW) Hydroelectric Projects. Furthermore, THDCIL has played a crucial role in slope stabilization projects, including the Varunavat Parvat landslide mitigation project in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, and slope protection measures for the high hill slopes along the track of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji.

The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Sh. Anshul Garg (IAS), CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Sh. Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), THDCIL, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative.

Sh. Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel) of THDCIL, speaking on the occasion, emphasized that THDCIL has been serving as the Technical Consultant for the Shrine Board since June 2011, a testament to the Trust reposed in the organization’s capabilities. Under this new agreement, the Geological Survey of India will undertake geological investigations along the entire pilgrimage route, while THDC India Limited will focus on geotechnical and geophysical assessments, as well as the design and Engineering of state-of-the-art slope stabilization measures. This collaboration is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of the pilgrimage track.

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Sh. Singh added that as a part of its consultancy assignments, THDCIL has prepared over 430 DPRs for landslide mitigation measures, covering projects for the State Government of Uttarakhand, the Shrine Board of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji, J&K, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Jammu & Kashmir, Pune, and Shillong, among other locations, across the Country.

Sh. Shallinder Singh further added that THDCIL has proven expertise in Designing, Construction and O&M of Mega Hydro Projects with Major Underground Components.  Besides above, it has actively contributed for up-liftment of Society and over all progress of the Nation.  In Hilly States Roads and National Highways are crucial lifeline.  Accordingly, THDCIL has been instrumental in safeguarding Key-Infrastructure as well as ensuring progress and the well-being of the populace in the state of Jammu and Kashmir through its expertise in landslide mitigation and slope stabilization. With the ever-increasing demand for resilient infrastructure, particularly in challenging regions prone to geological instabilities, THDCIL has emerged as a silent, but trusted partner in executing critical projects that serve as lifelines for communities.

In J&K, in addition to this crucial project, THDCIL continues to extend its consultancy services to other esteemed organizations such as the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, and is actively contributing to infrastructure stability of National Highways across crucial locations such as Doda, Ramban-Srinagar, Patnitop, Kishtwar, and Chenani, by ensuring safe and dedicated transportation corridor. These areas, which form the backbone of connectivity in the region, are often threatened by landslides and slope failures, disrupting transport and endangering lives. THDCIL besides providing geotechnical investigations, engineering interventions, and landslide mitigation solutions is silently also playing the role of trusted harbinger of prosperity and progress of the region by ushering Tourism as well as aiding in day to day life of the local populace. 

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Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), THDCIL, highlighting the significance of the MOU remarked that THDCIL’s consultancy services embody the organization’s commitment to Engineering Excellence across various verticals. With its deep-rooted expertise in geotechnical engineering, Hydro power, and slope stabilization, THDCIL is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding infrastructure and enhancing resilience across geologically sensitive regions. This MoU signifies yet another milestone in THDCIL’s journey as a trusted technical partner in nation-building.

The MoU was signed by, Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, IFS, Additional Chief Executive Officer from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Dr. Niraj Agrawal, GM, Design (Civil-II) of THDCIL and Sh. Sanjiv Kumar, Dy. Director General, GSI (NR) from the Geological Survey of India. Sh. Praveen Kumar, Director, GSI, Jammu, Sh. Ravinder Kaul, Manager, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sh. Ishan Bhushan, Asst. Manager, (CC), THDCIL and Sh. Amninder Singh Nayyar, Geo Technical Engineer, THDCIL were also present during the occasion. 

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