102 MW Capacity Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project Sees 95 Percent Completion

The 102-megawatts-capacity Madhya Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project has neared its completion. Developed by the Chilime Hydropower Company, a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority, the run-of-the-river project is under construction at a speedy pace with the aim of completing it in the next four months, said the project officer, adding that so far, 95 percent of construction work has been completed.

Almost all construction work has been over, while the remaining work of building walls and other security-related infrastructures remains, it has been said. Works like concrete lining in the tunnel, and fitting equipment at turbines, generators, and control rooms are underway.

It may be noted that the project got delayed due to various problems. Started in 2013 with the completion deadline being 2016, and it missed multiple completion deadlines in between.

The project cost was estimated to be over Rs 12.28 billion excluding interest since the time when there was a loan agreement reached with the Employees' Provident Fund. It has now increased to Rs 15.3 billion excluding interest on the project's periodic projected cost.

It is expected to produce over 542 million units of electricity annually, generating over Rs 2.8 billion a year.