The Upper Trishuli 3 'B' Hydropower Project (37 MW) has achieved 40% physical progress.

The project is being built under People's Hydropower Program which was initiated by the government to mobilize public capital for hydropower projects.

According to the company, it has already dug 1,400 meters of the 3,085 meters headrace tunnel.

Mohan Prasad Gautam, managing director of Upper Trishuli 3 'B' Hydropower Project, told Republica that the tunnel is being dug from four locations. "We are putting pressure on the contractor to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. If it increases work pace a bit, I am confident of completing the project in time," he added. Work on the project began from mid-March last year. It is expected to be completed within three years.

"The project has achieved 40% physical progress and 20% financial progress so far. Works on powerhouse, surge tank and head reservoir are going on at present,” he added. "The contractor has also started procuring electromechanical equipment like turbine, runner and generator."

According to Gautam, the project does not need to build dam and complete descender works as it is a cascade project of Upper Trishuli 3 'A'.

The project is being built in Engineering, Purchase and Construction (EPC) model by Sichuan Anhe Hydraulic and Hydroelectric Engineering. The Chinese firm signed contract worth Rs 9.1 billion on February 9, 2018.

Gautam told Republica the project was facing some problem in tunnel digging due to lack of emulsion. "But we are forging coordination with government agencies to resolve the matter. We are in constant talks with the Department of Electricity Development; the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; the Ministry of Home Affairs; the Ministry of Defence; and Nepal Army," he said.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Nepal Telecom each hold 30% stakes in the project. Similarly, 15% of shares have been set aside for general public, while 10% of shares have been allocated for locals of Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts where the project is based.

"The project is attractive as it can generate energy as per its installed capacity i.e. 37 MW for eight months in a year. It produces a minimum of 25 MW even during dry months," added Gautam.

Energy generated by the project will be linked to Trishuli 3 'B' Hub substation by building a three-kilometer transmission line. NEA will bear 45% of the transmission line cost.