Work on the 600-megawatt Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Trashi Yangtse is now in full swing after work resumed towards the end of last year. More than 1,000 workers from Jaiprakash Associates Limited, Construction Development Corporation Limited and the Khorlochhu Project are involved in major civil works, including the construction of the dam, headrace tunnel, and power house.
In four months, three per cent of the project has been completed.
The project’s major civil works have been divided into five contract packages, with a total budget of Nu 20bn. Druk Green Power Corporation and Tata Power Company Limited are the two main shareholders of the project.
Jaiprakash Associate Limited is handling three key components, including the construction of the dam, the major portion of the 16.23-kilometre headrace tunnel and the powerhouse.
They are currently building a diversion tunnel to divert the Khorlochhu River for dam construction, while also working on access tunnels for the headrace tunnel and powerhouse.
The Construction Development Corporation Limited is executing two key packages, such as building the surge shaft and part of the headrace tunnel. They are also working on diverting the Chaplangchhu stream to boost the Khorlochhu’s flow and power during the lean season.
The project was previously halted in July 2022 due to slow progress under the former joint venture.
Originally planned for completion within 56-59 months, the project management is now working closely with contractors to complete within 48-54 months.
The contractors are engaging the local community by hiring local vehicles, machinery and workers, helping reduce the need for additional residential construction.
The project, with an estimated cost of Nu 69bn, is scheduled for completion and commissioning by 2029. Once completed, the project is expected to generate 2,524 million units of electricity annually.
Sonam Darjay, Tashi Yangtse
Edited by Sonam Pem
