Brahmaputra Infrastructure Limited (BIL) has been declared L-1 for a tender to construct the project road, ancillary structures and the Main Access Tunnel including the Power House Adit for the Turga Pumped Storage Project at Baghmundi in Purulia district, West Bengal. The tender was invited by the Pumped Storage Project Department of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). The company quoted Rs 780.9 mn for the package with an execution period of 18 months and the formal Letter of Intent is awaited. The package covers civil construction and underground excavation works that provide construction access to the underground power house cavern. Main Access Tunnel (MAT) and the Power House Adit form the primary tunnelling components and involve hydro-electric tunnelling works. The project is part of a closed-loop pumped storage scheme that comprises upper and lower reservoirs with an underground power house. The Turga scheme comprises four by 250 megawatt (MW) units, totalling 1,000 MW, and forms grid-scale energy storage and peaking capacity to support renewable integration. Execution of the access and tunnelling package will add hydro-electric tunnelling credentials to BIL's pre-qualification profile, which is a recognised requirement for tenders in hydro-power, pumped storage and underground works segments. The assignment would mark BIL's first engagement in the pumped storage hydro-power segment and its first contract with WBSEDCL. The award would extend the company's operating footprint into West Bengal in addition to its established presence in the North Eastern region. As sole bidder for the package, BIL holds 100 per cent share of the quoted value and the firm is positioned to mobilise resources early on the critical path to the underground power house. Management characterised the development as a meaningful step for the company and indicated that focus will be on mobilising and executing the package to programme once the formal award is received. The company's experience in roads, bridges and underground works is expected to underpin delivery on the Turga access and tunnelling package.