Upper Thulokhola Hydroelectric Project Completed in Raghu Ganga, Myagdi

In a significant achievement, the Upper Thulokhola Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 22.5 MW, has been completed in Raghu Ganga Municipality-7, Myagdi. The project, developed by Thulokhola Hydropower Limited, has seen the completion of its physical infrastructure, equipment installation at the powerhouse, and construction of transmission lines.Shiv Sagar Yadav, the project chief, shared that the physical structure has been completed, and test production has commenced. "The construction of the dam, powerhouse, pipeline, transmission lines, and installation of equipment is complete. We are now conducting trial production with the presence of the Nepal Electricity Authority's technical team," he said.The construction of the project began in 2078 BS, and the site is located in a remote and rugged area. The dam, descent (water storage reservoir), 2,900-meter main pipeline, and 300-meter search soft pipeline have been installed at the Sugurthala location, with the powerhouse located at the foot of the hill. A switchyard has also been constructed at the powerhouse complex.The project is a "Run of the River" type, and a 132 kV transmission line has been constructed, spanning 5 kilometers, with 14 towers from the foot to the dam. The electricity generated by the project is linked to the central grid via a 220 kV transmission line, connecting from the Bandhi and Chimkhola-Mangle-Rahughhat Hydroelectric Projects.Dev Energy Construction is the civil, hydromechanical, and BFL Bangalore electromechanical contractor for the project. The estimated cost of the project is three billion rupees, with 70% of the investment provided by Citizens and Machhapuchchhre Banks, while 10% of the investment remains with the promoter. The remaining 20% of the investment will be raised through public share issuance.Previously, three hydropower projects had already been completed in the Rahughhat and its auxiliary rivers. The Chimkhola-Rahughgat-Mangle Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 35.5 MW, and the 48.5 MW Upper Rahughgat Hydroelectric Project, developed by Tundi Power, are already operational. Additionally, the 21.3 MW Thulokhola Hydroelectric Project, developed by Joint Energy Limited, started commercial production last August. The 40 MW Rahughgat Hydroelectric Project, promoted by Raghu Ganga Hydropower, is in its final stage of construction.