KATHMANDU: In a significant milestone, the main tunnel of the Rahughat Hydroelectricity Project, stretching 6.27 km, has seen a breakthrough. The 40 MW project is promoted by the Nepal Electricity Authority’s subsidiary company, Raghuganga Hydropower, and is under construction in Raghuganga Rural Municipality of Myagdi district.
The breakthrough was achieved with the completion of a 2.33 km tunnel connecting the second audit in Ward No. 3, Andherikhola, from the dam at the foot of Raghuganga-4, Dagnam. Project Manager Raj Bista shared this update, highlighting the progress of the project.
During the breakthrough event, Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari, Chairman of Raghuganga Rural Municipality, and Ganesh KC, Managing Director of Raghuganga HEP, pressed the switch and detonated explosives to achieve the breakthrough in the main tunnel.
KC emphasized that the completion of the main tunnel would expedite the remaining construction works. The project includes the construction of the tunnel, powerhouse, and the supply and connection of hydromechanics and electromechanical equipment.
Last May, the project successfully connected a 1.04 km long ‘Pressure Shaft’ tunnel, which will house a pipeline to drop water to the under-construction power plant in Tilkenichaur. This connection extends from the outlet of the main tunnel located in Raghuganga-3, Pipley. Additionally, a 61-meter deep ‘search shaft’ has been constructed in Pipley.
The civil contractor, Jaya Prakash Associates, signed an agreement for the project in December 2017. The Rahughat Hydroelectricity Project is being built with joint investment from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Government of Nepal, and a concessional loan of US$ 67 million from the Exim Bank of India.
Electrical contractor Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) of India, who signed the contract in November 2019, has tested the manufactured equipment and initiated the import process. The project has achieved 25 percent progress in electromechanical works and 56 percent physical progress in dam construction.
The semi-reservoir technology dam, standing 17 meters high and 31 meters long, along with the power plant, is being constructed on the border of Ward No. 4, Dagnam, and Ward No. 5, Jhinko of Raghuganga.
The Rahughat Hydroelectricity Project is expected to be completed by October this year, marking a significant advancement in Nepal’s renewable energy sector.