World Bank inspects progress on Tarbela 5th extension hydropower project

LAHORE: Chairman of Wapda Engr Lt Gen (r) Sajjad Ghani, along with a visiting World Bank team, recently inspected the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project to assess the progress on its key components.

The World Bank delegation, led by Advisor Masood Ahmed and Task Team Leader Gautum Gunjan, was joined by Wapda’s member (power), the general manager of the Tarbela dam project, the project director of the Tarbela 5th extension hydropower project, and representatives of the consultants and contractors working on the project.

Following a detailed site visit, the chairman chaired a progress review meeting at the Project Office. During the meeting, the project management provided updates on progress at seven critical sites: intake, tunnel, penstock, outlet, powerhouse, tail race culvert, tail race canal, and switchyard. The discussion also covered resource allocation, timelines, and the implementation plan, with electricity generation expected to begin in 2025-26.

In his address, the chairman stressed the importance of the timely completion of the project to meet the growing energy demands with green, clean, and affordable electricity. He urged consultants and contractors to intensify their efforts to ensure the project is finished by the target date.

Wapda is constructing the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project at Tunnel No 5 of Tarbela Dam. The project benefits from financial support from the World Bank, contributing $390 million, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which is providing $300 million. The project’s total generation capacity is 1,530 MW, with three units of 510 MW each.

Upon completion, the project will add 1.347 billion units of eco-friendly and cost-effective hydropower to the national grid annually. The installed capacity at Tarbela Dam will rise from 4,888MW to 6,418MW.