Donkarayi Power House Gets Major Overhaul, Boosts Sileru Cascade Efficiency
This raised concerns of operational efficiency nearly 13 years after the last major overhaul of the power house in 2012.
Vijayawada: The Donkarayi Canal Power House near the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul after more than a decade.
Officials said the refurbishment follows detection of an oil leak in the turbine system during December 2025. This raised concerns of operational efficiency nearly 13 years after the last major overhaul of the power house in 2012.
The 25 MW Donkarayi power plant, part of the Sileru cascade system, plays a key role in hydroelectric generation and water utilisation across downstream projects.
Officials said the plant, commissioned in October 1983 after its construction began in January 1980, draws inflows from the Upper Sileru Power House at Guntawada and local catchment areas. Water is routed through a penstock gate at the Donkarayi reservoir and used for power generation before being channelled through a 15.6-km canal to downstream stations.
The machinery, supplied by BHEL, has an annual generation potential of around 100 million units.
The Donkarayi overhaul has been entrusted to Chennai-based Shree Abirami Engineering Works. It will involve refurbishment of turbine components and replacement of worn-out parts. The project is expected to be completed by the end of May.
Officials said in parallel, modernisation of the power canal system has been undertaken to reduce losses due to friction and improve overall efficiency.
