GORKHA, Dec 23: Preparations are in full swing to construct the Budhigandaki Hydropower Projects ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Gorkha. Budhigandaki ‘A’ will have a capacity of 103.4 MW, while Budhigandaki ‘B’ is set to generate 226 MW, according to project Engineer Durgesh Magar. Both projects are promoted by Naulo Nepal Hydro Electric Company Pvt. Ltd.
Engineer Magar said Budhigandaki ‘A’ will cost Rs 31.32 billion, and Budhigandaki ‘B’ Rs 56.99 billion. The ‘A’ project will feature a dam at Lusyang, Dharche-3, diverting water through a 4 km tunnel to a powerhouse at Machhakhola. Using run-of-the-river technology, water will drop 111 meters to generate electricity. Power from Machhakhola will be transmitted to Budhigandaki ‘B’ via a 12.7 KM transmission line.
PM inaugurates Budhigandaki Project's field office in Gorkha
The 226 MW Budhigandaki ‘B’ project will have a dam at Dharche-7, Khanibensi, with water flowing through a 9.5 km tunnel to a powerhouse at Soti. Water will drop 197.97 meters to generate electricity using run-of-the-river technology.
“The EIA and PPA for both projects are complete,” said Magar. “Following pre-earthquake surveys, a final assessment of post-earthquake impacts is underway. Construction is expected to begin in the upcoming dry season.”
Combined, the projects will generate 329.4 MW, transmitted over 18.5 km to a substation in Lapa, Dhading.
