Kathmandu: Another major project in Nepal’s energy sector has reached the stage of moving forward. Preparations for the construction of the 640-megawatt Kaligandaki reservoir-based hydropower project have been intensified.
Initially proposed at 844 megawatts, the project has been scaled down to 640 megawatts based on technical analysis following detailed studies. Currently, the work of preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is in its final stage, which is expected to formally pave the way for the construction process to move ahead.
The proposed dam will be constructed around the Urleni–Khangkot area, located along the border of Gulmi and Parbat districts, about 10 kilometers upstream from the confluence of the Seti and Kaligandaki rivers. Once completed, the approximately 244-meter-high dam will create a reservoir stretching about 29 kilometers up to Khaniyaghat.
The project aims to generate around 1,645.65 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually by utilizing a net head of 183.4 meters and a water flow of 405 cubic meters per second. The powerhouse will be located at Bihadi Rural Municipality–Barrachour in Parbat, where electricity will be generated through four Francis turbines and four steel penstocks.
Upon implementation, the project will directly affect various wards of local levels in Parbat, Baglung, Gulmi, and Syangja districts. Areas such as Jaljala, Kushma, Phalewas, Bihadi, Baglung Municipality, Jaimini, Kaligandaki, and Galyang are expected to be impacted.
A joint team of international consulting companies, in coordination with the Department of Electricity Development, is carrying out the feasibility study and environmental assessment.
In terms of road access, the project site is connected to major routes such as the Prithvi Highway, Pokhara–Baglung road, and the Kaligandaki Corridor, which is expected to facilitate construction and operation.
With the goal of advancing energy production, reservoir management, and regional development simultaneously, the project is expected to become one of Nepal’s strategic hydropower projects.
Urjasanchar