Salient features of Purulia pumped storage project
Installed capacity 4 x 225MW
Peak operation duration Six hours
Maximum power discharge 600m3/sec
Effective head 177m
Upstream reservoir  
Catchment area 9.5km2
Full reservoir level (FRL) 516m
Minimum draw down level 494m
Dam height from rock foundation 71m
Dam crest length 1505m
Reservoir area at FRL 1.04km2
Total storage capacity 16.5Mm3
(a) Live storage 13Mm3
(b) Dead storage 3.5Mm3
Downstream reservoir  
Catchment area 9.5km2
Full reservoir level 337m
Minimum draw down level 300m
Dam height from rock foundation 95m
Dam crest length 310m
Reservoir area at FRL 0.53km2
Total storage capacity 16Mm3
(a) Live storage 13Mm3
(b) Dead storage 3Mm3
Headrace intake tunnel 7.7m diameter x 2
Penstock 7.7-7.3m diameter x 2
  4.3m x 4
Tailrace 8.7m diameter x 2
  5.6m diameter x 4
Sedimentation rate 950m3 per ha/year
Powerhouse  
Pump/turbine 230MW/250MW x 4, Francis type
Reversible pump turbine, 250rpm
Generator/motor 250MVA/255MW x 4,
  Synchronous, 3 phase,
  50Hz, pf. 0.9/1.0, 24 poles
Unit space 25.5m
Transformer capacity 280MVA, 16.5kV/400kV
Generation voltage 16.5kV
Transmission voltage 400kV
Construction cost (latest approved cost) Approx. US$665M