State-owned National Thermal Power Corporation said on Tuesday that it received 13 bids, including 11 from overseas companies, for constructing the main dam for its 800 MW hydropower project at Koldam in Himachal Pradesh.

Nishimatsu Construction of Japan, Daelim Industrial Co of South Korea, China Anneng Construction Corp, Subir Dam and Water Works Construction of Iran and MAPA Construction and Trade Inc of Turkey are among the bidders.

Delhi-based JP Industries, Progressive Construction of Hyderabad and Hindustan Construction of Mumbai have also participated in the bidding process. Apart from two Indian firms bidding solo, some domestic firms have bid in collaboration with overseas bidders.

When contacted, NTPC chairman and managing director C P Jain, while confirming the receipt of 11 international bids said the corporation has already invested more than Rs 340 crore (Rs 3.4 billion) in the project.

The project is scheduled to be completed during the 11^th Five-Year Plan.

Asked by what time the final contract would be awarded for constructing the main dam, Jain said, "The corporation is now assessing the bids and a final decision would be taken soon."

The Koldam project on river Sutlej is about four kms upstream of Slapper Bridge in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.

According to NTPC officials, the present estimated cost of the plant is about Rs 1193 crore (Rs 11.93 billion) for setting up of four units of 200-MW each. Of the total generation, 27 per cent of the electricity would be given to the state of Himachal Pradesh. The balance would be sold to the state electricity boards of the northern grid.