CDWP approves revised PC-I of Rs 274.88 billion for the project
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Shakil Durrani on Tuesday said that the China EXIM Bank would provide US $448 million to help complete the strategically important 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP).
He presided over a meeting to review progress on the project being constructed on Neelum river in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where he also informed that the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) had also approved revised PC-I of the project amounting to Rs 274.882 billion. The meeting was attended by members of the Authority, NJHP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other officials concerned.
Briefing the meeting, NJHP CEO said that assembling of the two German-manufactured sate-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBMs) at the project site was in progress. “The first TBM is expected to be operational in August, while the second one in September 2012,” he said. The use of TBMs would enhance the progress, thereby reducing construction period of the project by 18 months. “This would result in an estimated benefit of Rs 60 billion,” he added.
The meeting was also told that the construction work at all sites including main dam, de-sander, tunnels, and underground power house and transformers hall was in full swing. About 23 kilometers main and access tunnels had so far been excavated. “The overall progress on the project stands at 35%,” the meeting was further informed.
Later, WAPDA Chairman said that NJHP was a vital project in view of the ever increasing needs of electricity in the country. Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work, he directed that every effort be made to complete the project as per schedule.
