The Trip That Was

The annual maintenance for the year 2009-10 of Basochhu Hydropower Plant (BHP) was completed. Everyone was tired,dusted and greased. It was then that I decided to organize an industrial tour cum vacation for my staff members(upon approval from the management). It was aimed at rejuvenating the energy levels (physical, mental and emotional energy) of the team and to keep everyone motivated. It was also a befitting moment to provide exposure to the maintenance team by visiting different hydropower plants both within Bhutan and the neighboring states of India.

The travel plan was approved and a week long tour starting from 09 May 2010 till 16 May 2010 was scheduled and finalized. The official travel plan marked visits to two major hydropower plants in Bhutan and two in Sikkim, and some major substations along the way. Unofficially we tweaked the travel plan to include visits to Gangtok and Kalimpong without compromising on the major visits. The journey was set with full of joyful and cheerful guys (only) packed in a hiace bus cracking jokes, causing commotion in the name of singing, pulling legs and doing all the crazy things . Upon reaching Phuntsholing, the first thing we did was, packed our bags with enough booze to last for a week and also to gift our unknown hosts.

The places we visited(in order):
.Teesta V HPP(510 MW)
.Rangit Hydropower Station (60 MW)
.Gangtok (Sightseeing)
.Kalimpong (Sightseeing)
.Siliguri (Shopping)
.Tala Hydropower Plant (1020 MW)
.Chukha Hydropower Plant (336 MW)

The start of the journey. All smileys. Fuzzy picture, the cameraman was laughing as well.

Taking a (pee)break before crossing the bakpool bridge.

520 MW Teesta IV project under construction.

On the way to Rangit HPP. Another (pee)break.

Having lunch at the highest peak. What was the name?

A far view of Teesta V project. That was one amazing plant.

Pretending to be all good boys at Gangtok (Deorali Goemba)

Trying out the famous ropeway in Gangtok.

All in all, the industrial trip was really refreshing and fulfilling. The trip to Kalimpong was awesome as my old college friend arranged the sightseeing and set the night on the booze. What a night it was.