Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project: GIKI hands over 3D model to Wapda

PESHAWAR: An inauguration ceremony was held at the Tarbela 4th Extension Hydel Power Station to mark the development and handover of a 3D working educational model of the hydropower project.

The state-of-the-art model was developed by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) and commissioned by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).

The inauguration event, hosted by Tarbela T4, was attended by several dignitaries, including Arfan Miana, Member (Power), Wapda, Prof Dr SM Hasan Zaidi, Acting Rector, GIK Institute; General Managers of the Tarbela Dam Project (TDP); Deans and Heads of Departments from GIKI; and senior management from Tarbela T4 and T5.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Dr SM Hasan Zaidi expressed his appreciation for Wapda, the engineers, and the management of the Tarbela project for their contribution to delivering clean and cost-effective energy, calling it a vital national asset.

He emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between academia and industry and extended an invitation for future joint research and technology development initiatives.The chief guest, Arfan Miana, praised GIKI for delivering a high-quality, functional educational model. He highlighted the Institute’s growing role in technical initiatives related to Tarbela Dam and reaffirmed the significance of continued collaboration between WAPDA and academic institutions like GIKI.

Commissioned on November 1, 2024, and officially handed over on February 27, 2025, the 3D model is a dynamic, meticulously engineered representation of the Tarbela 4th Extension project.

Measuring 5 feet by 3 feet, it is built from high-quality PLA/ABS plastic and wood, based on authentic engineering blueprints. Major features include the reservoir, tunnels, LLOs, inlet valve, turbine, generator, exciter, power transformer, and transmission lines.Enhancing its educational value, the model integrates dynamic LED lighting to simulate operational flows from water movement through the turbines to the generation and transmission of electricity.

The model was developed under the leadership of Dr Massab Junaid at GIK Institute, with vital support from Chief Engineer Muhammad Tariq and his engineering team at Tarbela. Their collective effort ensured a faithful and detailed representation of the real-world system.

Symbolizing innovation, technical excellence, and the strength of academic-industry collaboration, the 3D model will serve as a vital educational and training resource for engineers, students, and visitors, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable energy and engineering education.