Minister of Energy instructs on-site inspection of Tanahun Hydropower Project, not to delay construction

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Tanahun, 29 Nov 2021. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal on Monday paid an on-site inspection visit to the 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project under construction.
Minister Bhusal had inspected the construction site of the first package including river return, dam and underground power house, tailrace, tunnel and other structures under construction.

Minister Bhusal directed to complete the work of the reservoir project under construction on time without any delay.

“Except Kulekhani, all the projects in operation are based on river flow. As production decreases in winter, the country still has to import electricity and waste it in the rainy season,” Bhusal said. There should be no delay due to resources, means, policy decisions, local problems, etc. It should be done within the stipulated time and cost.

Stating that the construction work should be carried out in coordination with the local level and inter-ministerial coordination, he expressed his commitment to provide immediate assistance to solve the problems that may arise in the construction.

He said that the area could be developed as a tourist destination after the construction of the reservoir of the project and the locals could directly benefit from it.

Kiran Kumar Shrestha, managing director of Tanahu Hydropower Limited, the promoter of the project, informed about the physical and financial progress achieved so far in the construction and the problems faced.

Song Da Corporation, Vietnam-Kalika Construction (Pvt.) Ltd. for the construction of the first package of the project. Nepal J. The contract agreement with JV has come into effect from 30 August 2021. Song Da-Kalika JV has started the work of returning the river by setting up its office, labor accommodation facility, mobile crusher plant.

The construction work of the second package of the project including tunnel, construction of power house and supply, connection and operation of hydromechanical and electromechanical equipment is underway. The contractor company has completed the construction of cable tunnel and main access tunnel and is digging underground power house. The construction of access tunnel towards Surjatank has been completed.
Construction of 220 KV double circuit transmission line from Damauli to Bharatpur of Chitwan is underway under the third package of the project. So far, the foundation work of 30 towers has been completed and eight towers have been erected.

The overall construction of the project is targeted to be completed by 2083 BS.
The total cost of the company’s capital structure and financial management project (including transmission line, rural electrification and construction period interest) is US ५० 505 million, ADB 150 million, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 184 million and European Investment Bank 80 million. 5 million and the Government of Nepal / Nepal Electricity Authority has been financed 86 million dollars.