{"id":19469,"date":"2026-06-30T11:43:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T05:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19469"},"modified":"2026-06-30T11:43:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T05:58:07","slug":"construction-begins-on-106-mw-jagdulla-hydropower-project-in-dolpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=19469","title":{"rendered":"Construction Begins on 106 MW Jagdulla Hydropower Project in Dolpa<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dragon Media Correspondent
\nKathmandu<\/strong><\/p>\n

Physical construction of the 106 megawatt Jagdulla Hydropower Project, promoted by the government under the People\u2019s Hydropower Program, has begun.<\/p>\n

The construction work moved ahead after an agreement was signed with the main contractor, according to Sanjay Sapkota, Chief Executive Officer of Jagdulla Hydropower Company.<\/p>\n

The project, to be built in the Jagdulla and Mudkechula rural municipality areas of Dolpa district, is being viewed as a model project that combines government ownership, local participation and domestic financial resources.<\/p>\n

According to the company, major preparatory works for the 106 MW Jagdulla Hydropower Project have already been completed. These include detailed engineering studies, environmental impact assessment, land acquisition, power purchase agreement, financial management, generation license and industry registration.<\/p>\n

The company is developing two semi-reservoir hydropower projects in the Jagdulla and Mudkechula areas of Dolpa. The main Jagdulla Hydropower Project is expected to generate 106 MW, while the Jagdulla A project is expected to generate more than 124 MW. Once both projects are completed, around 230 MW of electricity is expected to be added to the national grid.<\/p>\n

The company said the project has contributed not only to electricity generation but also to infrastructure development in Dolpa. During the project promotion phase, the company constructed a 100 meter concrete bridge over the Bheri River with its own investment. It has also opened tracks along difficult cliff sections of the Triveni, Mudkechula and Jagdulla road section and installed 10 Bailey bridges along the access road.<\/p>\n

According to CEO Sapkota, these structures have not only facilitated project construction but also brought direct changes to the daily lives of local residents. He said the compulsion to walk for hours has been reduced and transport access in Dolpa has become easier.<\/p>\n

Until a few years ago, it used to take more than three days to reach Dolpa from Nepalgunj. The company said it is now possible to make the journey in a single day. The road and bridge infrastructure developed along with the project has also increased the possibility of regular transport services from Dolpa district headquarters Dunai to Kathmandu.<\/p>\n

The project is also expected to have a long-term impact on the tourism sector. The development of alternative and shorter routes to Rara Lake, Shey Phoksundo Lake, Jagdulla Lake, Upper Dolpa, Jumla and Mugu is expected to support tourism promotion in Karnali Province.<\/p>\n

Once the project comes into operation, the federal government, provincial government and local levels will receive annual royalties. According to the company, the federal government is expected to receive around Rs 195 million, while the provincial government and local levels are each expected to receive around Rs 95 million annually. This is expected to help strengthen the local economy.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the detailed engineering study of the Jagdulla A project, with a capacity of more than 124 MW, has already been completed. The company said environmental studies, land acquisition, power purchase agreement, financial management and licensing-related processes have reached the final stage.<\/p>\n

The survey, design and cost estimate of the Jagdulla A project have been prepared by Nepali engineers through NEA Engineering, the consulting company of the Nepal Electricity Authority. This project is also being prepared with majority ownership of government bodies and participation of the general public.<\/p>\n

As per the company\u2019s share structure, government agencies, the Karnali provincial government and local levels will jointly hold 51 percent ownership. The remaining 49 percent shares will be allocated to the general public. Ten percent shares have been reserved for local residents, while landowners affected by the transmission line right of way will also be provided shares.<\/p>\n

For the main Jagdulla Hydropower Project, around Rs 16.66 billion in loan investment has been arranged from domestic banks and financial institutions. The financing has been managed with the participation of Nabil Bank, Employees Provident Fund, Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company, Laxmi Sunrise Bank, Everest Bank and NIC Asia Bank, according to the company.<\/p>\n

The project, being developed in the remote geography of Karnali Province, is considered important in terms of energy generation, infrastructure development, local employment, share participation and tourism potential. If completed on time, it is expected to make a long-term contribution not only to Dolpa but also to the broader economic transformation of Karnali Province.<\/p>\n

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