Islamabad, The Chairman of the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), has directed the acceleration of work on the Diamer Basha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project to ensure their completion within the scheduled timelines. During his recent visits to both sites, the Chairman emphasized the importance of meeting the deadlines for these critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s electricity generation capacity.
According to Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, the Dasu Hydropower Project is expected to start generating electricity by 2026, while the Diamer Basha Dam Project is slated for completion in 2028. Notably, WAPDA achieved significant milestones by successfully diverting the River Indus for both projects – at Dasu in February 2023 and at Diamer Basha in December 2023.
The Chairman’s visit to the Diamer Basha Dam included inspections of construction efforts on various critical components, such as the dam’s left and right abutments, diversion canal, guide walls, and both temporary and permanent structures. He was accompanied by key officials and representatives from the Diamer Basha Dam Company, as well as consultants and contractors involved in the project. The project, which involves construction activities at 13 key sites, is expected to complete a permanent bridge and its approach road by June of this year.
At the Dasu Hydropower Project, the Chairman reviewed the progress on the underground powerhouse and transformer cavern, among other significant construction sites. The project’s officials briefed him on the ongoing work at 13 different locations, including excavation for the powerhouse, transformer cavern, and dam abutments. The project also includes excavation for open areas, five tunnels, and two bridges as part of the relocated Karakoram Highway.
Upon completion, the Diamer Basha Dam is projected to store 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, irrigate 1.23 million acres of land, and generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, contributing 18 billion units of green and low-cost electricity to the National Grid annually. The Dasu Hydropower Project, with a total capacity of 4,320 MW upon completion of its two stages, will initially add 2,160 MW to the grid, supplying 12 billion units of economically affordable electricity each year.