Electricity generation has resumed partially at Nepal’s largest hydropower project, the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project (UTKHPL), after an 88-day shutdown. The suspension followed extensive damage caused by landslides and floods triggered by continuous rainfall on September 27 and 28.
Partial repairs were completed on key damaged structures, enabling electricity generation to restart at 7:40 PM on Tuesday. Currently, the project is producing 120 megawatts of electricity, fully utilizing the available river flow. This output has been integrated into the national grid.
The shutdown began on September 27 at 7 PM when heavy rainfall caused the Tamakoshi River’s water levels to rise significantly. Landslides damaged critical infrastructure, including the control room near the dam site, the sand-settling pond (desander), and the underground culvert channeling water from the dam to the desander. Additionally, a large boulder blocked the 300-meter access road from Gongar Power Station to the Lamabagar dam site. Explosives were used to clear the obstruction. The 220 kV Gongar-Khimti transmission line, which transmits electricity from the project, was also damaged at tower number 46 near Singti.
One of the two transformers underwent partial repairs, allowing electricity production to resume ahead of schedule. Damaged components, including the slope of a transformer wall, were demolished and rebuilt, while cracks in the culvert’s walls and ceiling were repaired through grouting. Although the desander has been partially restored, ongoing maintenance is required. Once complete, it will enable water storage during low-demand periods, allowing the plant to operate at full capacity during peak hours in the mornings and evenings. Full operational capacity is targeted for mid-December to mid-January (Poush).
Kulman Ghising, managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and chairman of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Ltd board, inspected the site on December 3. The team set a maintenance completion goal of December 25, with electricity generation resuming a day ahead of schedule thanks to collective efforts. Ghising noted the challenges faced, including the loss of two employees and two soldiers during the disaster, inaccessibility to the site, and power outages. Despite these difficulties, coordinated efforts enabled partial electricity generation to resume, easing Nepal’s reliance on power imports from India during peak demand.
Company CEO Mohan Prasad Gautam credited the successful early resumption to expert input, careful planning, and regular monitoring. A tender has been issued to select contractors for further repairs to the remaining desander ahead of the next rainy season.
The hydropower plant’s structures and income from electricity sales are insured. An initial insurance claim of NPR 1.78 billion has been filed for the damages, with ongoing assessments by the company and National Insurance Company Limited. Compensation for lost income over two months is also expected under the insurance terms.
