Physical progress of 48.8 MW Khimti-2 is 70 percent complete

Kathmandu; The physical achievement of the 48.8 MW Khimti-2 Hydropower Project, developed by the private sector in Dolakha, has now reached approximately 70%. The most challenging phase of the project, has witnessed accelerated progress.

At present, various sectors of the project, including the dam, tunnel, and powerhouses, are advancing systematically. According to Hari Sharan Adhikari, the official spokesperson of People's Energy Limited, the company entrusted with completing the main tunnel's construction, encompassing audit tunnels such as water diversion tunnel, surge Shaft, vertical shaft, and others, has successfully achieved 6,630 meters.

Structures for river diversion, including Intake, desandar basin, and others, are actively under construction. Shiva Karki, on behalf of Construction Company has said the daily engagement of over a hundred workers in the river diversion work, with the aim to conclude the task within the upcoming year.

For the fabrication of hydro-mechanical penstock pipes, pipes have been crafted on-site by utilizing slate from the highlands. Similarly, preparations have been made for gates to be installed at the outlets of the headworks. Simultaneously, the construction of the powerhouse building for the 60 MW Khimti-1 hydropower center, situated approximately 300 meters above the dam, is in its final phase.

As per the company the project is anticipated to be completed within three years, utilizing the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financial Management (EPCF) model, initially awarded to the Chinese Chongqing Water Turbine Works (CWTW). However, due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic during the execution period, the technical and labor force from China faced restrictions. Consequently, an agreement was reached with High Himalaya Hydro Construction Company in Nepal to continue the civil works.

Currently, all project-related works are being executed by Nepali companies. According to the company, over 600 workers are employed daily across all sectors of the project, with 70% of the workforce being local. Beyond creating employment opportunities, the project has actively contributed to local social development, including the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and other essential infrastructure projects.

The Khimti Hydropower Project, situated along the Tamakoshi River on the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap, stands as a testament to the initiatives taken by local investors. Nine banks, led by Sanima Bank, have collectively invested an estimated NPR 8.64 billion in the project. Upon completion, the project is expected to yield an annual production of 26 million units of electricity. The generated electricity will be transmitted through a 132 kV transmission line from the powerhouse to the Garjang-Khimti 132 kV transmission line, covering a distance of 2 kilometers.

The project has been a collaborative endeavor involving international companies such as part of Civil work by High Himalaya Nepal, Hydro Mechanical by Global Hydro Austria, and Electro Mechanical by Cream Hydro, an Indian company entrusted with the gate work contract.