Particulars of the visit
Date: - 18/02/2026 – 20/02/2026
Time: - 3 Days and 3 Nights
Site of visit: -
1. Ganguwal Powerhouse
Nangal, Punjab, India
2. Atal Tunnel
Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
3. Twin Highway Bridge Construction Sites (Manali Region)
Attendees of visit: Students of 2nd,4th, 6th&8th semester of B.Tech (Civil) – 16 Students
Faculty Members:
- Dr. P. Mahakavi Associate Professor/Civil
- Mr. Sachin Tiwari Assistant Professor/Civil
Relevant SDGs for the Industrial Visit
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13 – Climate Action
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
BRIEF OF VISITED INDUSTRY
Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Gwalior organized a three-day Industrial and Educational Tour under Institution's Innovation Council Activities from 18th February 2026 to 20th February 2026 covering hydropower infrastructure and Himalayan transportation engineering systems.
DAY 1 – Industrial Visit at Ganguwal Powerhouse (BBMB)
The students visited Ganguwal Powerhouse, operated under Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Nangal.
The visit focused on:
• Hydropower generation mechanisms
• Turbine systems and generators
• Penstocks and water flow regulation
• Powerhouse structural layout
• Dam safety and operational protocols
• Canal distribution systems
The students observed how controlled release of water from Bhakra Dam is utilized for electricity generation and irrigation purposes. Engineers explained turbine functioning, load management, and grid synchronization processes.
A site walk was conducted at Nangal Township and canal system, highlighting hydraulic structures and spillway arrangements.
DAY 2 – Hill Infrastructure and Bridge Construction (Manali Region)
The second day included field exposure to:
• Construction of twin highway bridges between tunnel sections
• Slope stabilization techniques
• Retaining structures and drainage systems
• Landslide mitigation strategies
• Mountain road alignment challenges
This provided real case studies of Himalayan terrain engineering where geotechnical considerations dominate structural design.
Students studied rock anchoring, gabion walls, and flexible pavement adaptations for hilly terrain.
DAY 3 – Educational Visit to Atal Tunnel (Rohtang)
The educational visit was conducted at Atal Tunnel, one of the longest highway tunnels in the world above 10,000 feet altitude.
Technical discussions included:
• Tunnel alignment and geological challenges
• Drainage and ventilation systems
• Emergency safety corridors
• Fire control mechanisms
• Snow and avalanche protection systems
At Tunnel Point near Larji (Kullu region), engineers explained the Drill and Blast Method (DBM), one of the oldest tunneling techniques widely used in Himalayan rock conditions.
Students understood:
• Rock classification systems
• Controlled blasting procedures
• Shotcrete application
• Rock bolting and support systems
The visit provided practical exposure to modern tunneling technology and sustainable infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions.
Activities Performed During the Visit
• Interaction with site engineers and technical staff
• Study of hydropower plant components
• Observation of bridge substructure and superstructure works
• Discussion on slope stability measures
• Analysis of tunnel safety and construction methodology
• Reflection and technical discussion sessions
Learning Outcomes
1. Understanding of hydropower plant operation and structural layout.
2. Exposure to Himalayan geotechnical challenges.
3. Knowledge of tunnel construction techniques Drill and Blast Method (DBM method).
4. Practical insight into bridge construction in mountainous terrain.
5. Awareness of sustainable infrastructure practices.
Acknowledgement
The students were highly enthusiastic and gained valuable practical knowledge during the visit. They received detailed explanations from engineers and site supervisors at all visited locations.
The Department of Civil Engineering expresses sincere gratitude to the officials and engineers at Ganguwal Powerhouse (BBMB) and the technical team associated with the Atal Tunnel project for their cooperation and guidance.
We are thankful to the University Administration and higher authorities for granting permission and supporting the successful organization of this educational tour.
The visit proved to be highly beneficial for enhancing practical understanding and strengthening industry-academia interaction.