ISLAMABAD: Chairman of WAPDA, Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), visited the ongoing construction of the 1530 MW Tarbela 5th Extension and assessed the progress of the project.
The Chairman conducted an extensive tour of key locations, including the Raised Intake, Tunnel, and Powerhouse, observing the construction activities in progress. During the site briefing, the Project Director and the Construction Manager provided updates on the milestones achieved at these locations.Diamer Basha Dam crucial for water, food security: Ahsan
Temporary support work in the tunnel has been completed, allowing for the start of construction on the connecting tunnel. The installation of equipment, including draft tubes for Units No. 18, 19, and 20, is currently underway at the Powerhouse site. The Contractor is prepared to resume construction on the Raised Intake structure as soon as the water level in the reservoir drops to the necessary point.
After the site visit, the Chairman led a meeting at the project office, attended by the GM of Tarbela Dam, PD T5, consultants, and contractors. The overall progress of the project was discussed, highlighting that construction is ongoing simultaneously across all six work fronts. The project is expected to be completed by 2025-26.
Extensive discussions were held regarding the work plan to adhere to the timeline. The Chairman emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from the consultants and the contractor to ensure the project’s completion as scheduled. He also noted that deploying additional resources is essential for this purpose.
The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is part of WAPDA’s strategy for green, clean, and cost-effective energy generation. The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing financial support for the project, amounting to US$ 390 million and US$ 300 million, respectively. Under the 5th Extension, three generating units of 510 MW each are being installed at Tunnel No. 5 of the Tarbela Dam Project, which will contribute an average of 1.347 billion units of hydropower to the National Grid annually. Upon completion of the Tarbela 5th Extension Project, the installed capacity at Tarbela Dam will increase from 4888 MW to 6418 MW.
