Kathmandu: Electricity generation has resumed at the 69 MW Marsyangdi Hydropower Center located at Ambukhaireni Rural Municipality–4 in Tanahun after the completion of maintenance works. The plant had been completely shut down for about 21 days to carry out complex technical and civil structure-related works, which were completed within the scheduled timeframe, allowing the center to restart production.
Considered one of the important hydropower centers operating under the Nepal Electricity Authority in terms of installed capacity and annual generation, the plant produced 451.7 gigawatt-hours of electricity in the last fiscal year. In the current fiscal year 2025/26, the center has already generated 293.5 gigawatt-hours of electricity as of mid-February 2026. To ensure the long-term safe and efficient operation of the plant, maintenance work had begun after shutting down the facility from February 14, 2026.
According to Center Chief Kapildev Manjan, many long-pending and technically challenging works were completed during this shutdown period. In particular, protective measures were carried out on structures that had been at risk due to erosion in the upper riverside area near the dam and close to the desander. Additionally, the damaged structure of the “under sluice gate,” which had remained non-operational for the past 14 years, was repaired and made functional again. This structure is considered very important to prevent sand from entering the tunnel.
During the same period, the center also removed sand that had accumulated for a long time in the compensating basin located near the main intake. According to Manjan, priority was given to completing long-pending contract-related works as well as mechanical maintenance tasks. The overhauling work of Unit No. 3 of the power house was carried out with the involvement of the center’s own staff as well as technical personnel from other hydropower centers.
For the civil maintenance works being carried out in the dam area, manpower was mobilized 24 hours a day in three shifts. The center stated that the maintenance plan was designed in a way that would have minimal impact on electricity generation by conducting the work during periods when the river flow was at its lowest.
According to the center, the successful completion of several important civil works that had been pending for years was made possible through coordination with the parent office, department, and directorate, along with the support of higher management. During the shutdown period, necessary electrical and mechanical maintenance works were also completed at the power house, including the replacement of an LT-type breaker.
The center expects that, following the recent maintenance works, the power generation capacity will further improve and technical risks will be reduced.
Jalasarokar
