The Middle Tamor Hydropower Project, currently under construction in Taplejung, is gearing up to commence test production on December 30, 2023, with an eye toward initiating commercial production of 73 MW of hydropower from February 27, 2024. Project Manager Dr Maniraj Pokharel provided this update, assuring that all necessary processes for electricity production will be completed by the set date.
Initially, the project had anticipated commercial electricity production in the year 2081 BS, but the construction phase is progressing ahead of schedule. While the early testing of power generation remains on track, there is some confusion regarding the connection to the central power transmission line. Sources indicate that the capacity of the transmission line in Taplejung’s Maiwakhola Rural Municipality ward no. 1 has been reduced from 220 kVA to 132 kVA. However, the Middle Tamor Hydropower Project can only be connected to a 220 kVA power transmission line.
Previously, Middle Tamor had completed all the necessary infrastructure work for the transmission line, which is set to be integrated at Dhungesanghu. However, no official statement has been made regarding the reduced capacity of the transmission line at the electricity substation in Dhungesanghu. If this capacity reduction persists, Middle Tamor may need to transport its generated power to Basantpur in Tehrathum for inclusion in the central power transmission, potentially causing delays in commercial production.
It’s worth noting that the Indian company KEC International, responsible for constructing the electricity substation in Dhungesanghu at a cost of Rs 2.78 billion since 2018, has reported that approximately 90 percent of the substation work has been completed. The Middle Tamor Hydropower Project, a significant undertaking in Taplejung, has a projected total cost of Rs 13.33 billion, with 75 percent financed by banks and 25 percent from proctors’ capital.
