Koldam Dam, Bilaspur Overview

Koldam Dam is built on River Satluj and located about 18 kilometres from Bilaspur. It is one of the most famous attractions near Bilaspur and majorly draws engineering buffs because of the massive engineering marvel it is. The dam is surrounded by natural landscape and is often preferred by picnickers for a quick escape in the region. A top view of the massive dam is a breathtaking a sight, and a trip to the serene reservoir of the Koldam Dam underneath the clear blue skies is a sight to remember. The abundance of natural beauty of the location and the massive engineering marvel must be explored.

The Koldam Dam was built to generate hydroelectric power by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The foundation stone of the dam was laid in June 2000 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India. However, due to habitat and environment issues, the complete construction of the dam took about 15 years, and as it stands tall and robust today, the Koldam Dam is a perfect example of innovation and perseverance in India. It is incredible how the team consistently worked on the project and didn't leave it halfway after a couple of options failed. Parents often get their kids to teach them this valuable lesson of life while many visit the dam to learn from its history. A great miracle in itself, the Koldam dam shouldn't be missed.

History of Koldam Dam

The announcement of erecting the Koldam Dam was made in 2000, and its foundation stone was laid by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was the then Prime Minister of India. It required acquiring the land that had about 68 villages. Engineers were on-boarded from Thailand and Italy to work with the team in India. An amount of INR 4,527 crore was approved for the project. However, the work was halted when the team faced cost-overruns due to geological and environmental issues like visa problems, internal/ underground seepages, and unrest due to rehabilitation. The reservoir also submerged the hot water spring in Tatta Pani, which was a pilgrimage site earlier. Hence, the commissioning of the generator had to be rescheduled to 2015 from 2009.

Structure of Koldam Dam

Koldam Dam has a height of 320 metres including the foundation which that is about 167 metres tall. The total length of the dam is 474 metres and is 14 metres wide. The total volume of the dam is 12,000,000 m3 and has six radial gates. The spillway capacity is 16,500 m3/ sec. The reservoir is located at the height of 642 metres and has a total capacity of 560,000,000 m3. The Hydroelectric Power Plant has four turbines each with a capacity of 200 MW, hence generating a full capacity of 800 MW.

Best Time To Visit Koldam Dam

The best time to visit Koldam dam is between October and May, i.e. during winters (October to February) and summers (March to May). The terrain surrounding the dam is covered by snow during the winters while summers are enjoyable throughout the day and the water level is decently high in the reservoir for boating activities.

Tips For Visiting Koldam Dam

1. The dam viewpoint is the best point to get a marvellous view of the dam.
2. Carry enough snacks and water for the trip as there are no vendors selling snacks at the location.
3. They also allow tourists to explore the power plant. However, you may want to check for permissions.

How To Reach Koldam Dam

Koldam Dam is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from the town of Bilaspur. Rented taxis are the best modes of public transport here. You can also drive private vehicles to make your commute convenient via the NTPC Koldam Road.