Kathmandu - The tunnel construction of the 40-megawatt Upper Sankhuwa Khola Hydropower Project, being developed by Happy Energy Pvt. Ltd., has officially kicked off in Wards 2 and 3 of Silichong Rural Municipality, Sankhuwasabha district. The inauguration ceremony was held on Jeshta 26 (Monday) with traditional blessings and community participation.

The event was attended by a host of dignitaries. Silichong Rural Municipality Chairperson Bhupal Raj Mewahang was present as the chief guest. Among the special guests were Vice-Chairperson Devita Kulung Rai, Chairman Mohan Samser Rai, Ward No. 2 Chairperson Pratav Singh Tamang, Chief Administrative Officer Bhadra Bahadur Rai, and Major Pranish Anand Hang Kom from the New Srinath Battalion.

Representing the developer, Executive Chairman Indra Bahadur Bista along with directors Purnalal Shrestha, Dr. Badri KC, and Binod Kumar Sharma were also present. Tunnel construction contractor Ram Prasad Devkota of Devkota Construction Services, along with several local leaders and community members, took part in the program.

Although the official inauguration has taken place, Chairman Bista noted that actual tunnel excavation work will commence next week. He added:

• Devkota Construction Services has secured the contract for tunnel construction.

• Gaura Construction has been awarded the contract for the powerhouse, with work set to begin post-monsoon, alongside dam construction.

Key preparations at the project site are nearly complete:

• An army camp has already been built and deployed for site security.

• About 90% of the residential facilities for workers and staff have been finalized.

The project area is entirely located within Wards 2 and 3 of Silichong Rural Municipality, ranging in elevation from 1318 to 1834 meters above sea level. The hydropower project was initially identified in 2074 BS (2017 AD) and is expected to significantly contribute to the region’s energy production and economic development.

The Upper Sankhuwa Khola Hydropower Project, which received its survey license from the Department of Electricity Development on Ashad 32, 2075 BS, completed its detailed study by Ashad 30, 2080 BS. Designed with a discharge capacity of 9.18 cubic meters per second and a gross head of 516 meters, the project aims to generate 40 megawatts of clean hydroelectric power.

According to Executive Chairman Indra Bahadur Bista, the project is currently scheduled for completion by Jestha 2085 BS. However, the development team is ambitiously working toward completing the construction four months ahead of schedule, highlighting the company’s commitment to efficiency and progress.

The main headworks of the project are strategically positioned approximately 750 meters upstream from the confluence of the Sankhuwakhola and Lunsunkhola rivers. The headworks will comprise several critical structures:

• A diversion dam

• Gravel and sand settling pond

• Settling basin

• Under sluice system

• Intake structure

These components will ensure the smooth flow and quality of water directed toward power generation.

With its robust design and high-altitude location ranging from 1318 to 1834 meters above sea level, the project is set to become a vital contributor to Nepal’s renewable energy landscape, while also creating local employment opportunities and boosting regional infrastructure.

Water from the intake will be channeled to the powerhouse through a combination of impressive engineering structures: a 3,650-meter-long headrace tunnel, a 258-meter vertical shaft, a 355-meter horizontal shaft, and a 255-meter surface penstock. These components will work together to deliver high-pressure water flow to the powerhouse, where two Pelton turbines will harness the energy to generate electricity.

Once operational, the plant is expected to produce an estimated 244 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, making it a significant contributor to Nepal’s renewable energy portfolio.

Infrastructure Works Nearing Completion

Progress on supporting infrastructure is also moving rapidly. The access road to the project site and residential buildings for staff and workers are now in their final stages of construction. Additionally, the Bailey bridge over the Sankhuwa Khola—crucial for site connectivity—is about 90% complete.

The project is already bringing tangible benefits to the surrounding communities. Villagers from Bala, Kharila, Dangkhila, Betini, Sikidim, Songlah, and other settlements in Ward No. 2 have gained improved access and transportation options due to the road networks constructed by the developer, Happy Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Beyond electricity generation, the Upper Sankhuwa Khola project is paving the way for regional development, better infrastructure, and local economic upliftment—solidifying its role as a transformative force in Sankhuwasabha district.

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📰 Source: UrjaSanchar.com