Tunnel of Thulokhola hydro project makes breakthrough

By Our Correspondent,Myagdi (Beni) Dec.11: The tunnel of the under-construction 21Mw Thulokhola Hydropower Project in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-8, Kuinemangale of Myagdi, has made a breakthrough. 

The project started constructing the tunnel two years ago. 

According to the project, the length of the tunnel is 2,700 metres.

About 70 per cent of the construction work carried out by United Energy Limited has been completed so far. 

Rabindra Hamal, chief of the project, said that with the completion of the tunnel construction, the project is accelerating other constructions aiming to complete them within the next eight months.

He said, "The work of connecting the main tunnel of the project has been completed. The construction of the dam site and powerhouse is going on in full swing. 

The plan is to complete the project within July 2024 if the construction work is not obstructed by any circumstances.”

Owing to geographical difficulties and natural disasters, it is a challenging endeavour to complete the project in time, said Hamal. 

The project will have a 600-metre penstock tunnel. Out of it, 495 metres of tunnel has been dug while 50 per cent of 100 meters of vertical penstock tunnel remain to be dug, Hamal said. He said that they are doing their best to complete the project within the stipulated time by mobilising enough equipment and workers.

Non-resident Nepalis and Nepali citizens have 30 per cent investment, and the banks and financial institutions have 70 per cent investment in this project. 

The estimated cost of the project is around Rs. 3.6 billion.