Surkhet: Hydro mechanical work has started under the third package of Bheri-Babai diversion multi-purpose project. An agreement has been signed with Chinese construction company Zhejiang Orient Engineering for the work related to hydro mechanical parts of the project.

The project, which completed the construction of the tunnel under the first phase, is carrying out works of civil structure under the second phase. Senior Divisional Engineer (CDE) Pawan Adhikari said that the third phase of the project would start in a few days.

"An agreement worth Rs 2.13 billion has been signed with a Chinese company to carry out hydro mechanical works," he said. "We have already given the work order and we expect the work to start in a few days.

Adhikari said gates at the dam site Chiple, penstock pipes and valves will be connected at Babai, the place where electricity is generated, under hydro mechanical work. "We have agreed to complete the construction within three years. We are confident that the work will be completed on time," he said.

The project is also starting the contract process for electromechanical work. "We have completed all procedures on behalf of the project office and sent the file to the Irrigation Department," he said. "Within a few days, the department will complete the process and call for a contract."

Electromechanical works will include turbine and generator connection. The project has made 49.5 percent physical progress so far. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 36.8 billion and has already achieved 38.31 percent financial progress.