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Progress Update on Rahughat Hydropower Project in Nepal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 40-megawatt-capacity Rahughat hydropower project, initiated by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in 2066 BS, has achieved 60 percent progress in its construction work after fourteen years. The project's original timeline, set for completion in 2070 BS, was delayed due to various factors, including the termination of the contract with the initial contractor, IVRCL. The current contractor, Jaiprakash Associate (JP), is working under an extended contract agreement, with the project aiming to be operational by January 2023. Despite facing challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, the contractor has made significant progress, including the construction of a 61-meter deep surge shaft, a 329-meter bottom pressure shaft, and a 654-meter-long road leading to the main tunnel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rahughat hydropower project has achieved 60 percent physical progress and 45 percent financial progress in its construction work.
  • The project was originally scheduled for completion in 2070 BS but has been delayed due to various factors, including the termination of the contract with IVRCL.
  • The current contractor, Jaiprakash Associate (JP), has constructed significant infrastructure, including a 61-meter deep surge shaft, a 329-meter bottom pressure shaft, and a 654-meter-long road leading to the main tunnel.
  • Despite challenges, the project aims to be operational by January 2023, with an extended contract agreement until October 17, 2024.
  • The old contractor, IVRCL, completed only 10 percent of the work in eight years.
  • The project's financial and physical progress indicate a significant investment of Rs 6 billion by Jaiprakash Associate (JP) for its completion.
  • The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) have invested USD 67 million in the project, with a concessional loan from Exim Bank.
  • Project Manager Raj Bista stated that the contractor could not meet the completion target due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.

Statistics:

  • 40-megawatt-capacity: the project's total installed capacity.
  • 60%: the physical progress achieved in the project's construction work.
  • 45%: the financial progress made in the project's construction work.
  • USD 67 million: the concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) for the project.
  • Rs 6 billion: the investment by Jaiprakash Associate (JP) for the project's completion.
  • 61 meters: the depth of the surge shaft constructed by the contractor.
  • 329 meters: the length of the bottom pressure shaft constructed by the contractor.
  • 654 meters: the length of the road leading to the main tunnel constructed by the contractor.
  • 196 meters: the length of the vertical tunnel constructed by the contractor.
  • 5,162 meters: the length of the tunnel completed so far by the contractor.
  • 1,108 meters: the remaining length of the tunnel to be dug by the contractor.

Sources:

  • "Progress Update on Rahughat Hydropower Project in Nepal" (2022) by Global Data Point.
  • Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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