Completion of the 686-metre diversion tunnel paves the way for main dam construction

The Khorlochhu River has been successfully diverted through a newly completed 686-metre tunnel, marking the first major construction milestone of the 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydro Power Project, which will enable the work on the main dam. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), who also serves as the Chairman of Khorlochhu Hydro Power Ltd. (KHPL), as the Chief Guest.

The 10-metre-diameter, RCC-lined tunnel can carry 1,112 cubic metres per second, equivalent to a 1-in-25-year flood. Built under package KC-1, it took about 20 months to complete. An intermediate Adit created additional work fronts and helped accelerating the progress.

Work will now shifts to the coffer dams, dewatering, dam-foundation excavation, and main-dam concreting, while construction continues on the headrace tunnel, underground powerhouse, and Chaplangchhu stream diversion.

KHPL is a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (60 percent) and The Tata Power Company Limited (40 percent). The project is estimated to cost Nu. 69 billion, including financing charges, and is planned for completion over five years in 2029.