More than a year after construction began on the 54 Megawatt Gamri-I and Bamukparongchhu Hydropower Project in Trashigang, works are progressing well. Officials say around 12 per cent of the project has been completed so far. The projects are scheduled for completion in August 2028.
Located about 70 kilometres from Trashigang town along the road to Sakteng, the 40-megawatt Gamri-I and 14-megawatt Bamukparongchhu projects will share a common powerhouse.
Contractors started construction works in December 2024 and are currently executing the main civil works under the first package. The projects employ more than 300 workers, most of whom are Bhutanese nationals.
For the 40-megawatt Gamri-I project, teams have completed the access road to the dam site and tunnel. They have also finished excavating the river diversion tunnel. Work is ongoing on additional access roads to another tunnel, and other related infrastructure.
Similarly, for the 14-megawatt Bamukparongchhu project, contractors have completed the access road to the site, while excavation and other construction activities continue.
However, officials say colder and harsher weather conditions, along with unforeseen geological challenges and natural events, could affect the project timeline.
The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) plans to award the electro-mechanical, hydro-mechanical, and control and protection works later this year.
The two projects are expected to cost over Nu 6.7bn. Once completed, they are expected to generate more than 227 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
Meanwhile, DGPC also plans to begin three new hydropower projects within this year. These include the 55-megawatt Gamri-II project, the 40-megawatt Parochhu project in Paro, and the 25-megawatt Yurmochhu project in Trongsa.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
