The test production of the 14-megawatt Gharghola hydropower project, which was constructed at a cost of Rs2.80 billion, has begun.

The testing started on June 7 by sending water through the Penstock and tunnel. The goal is to start commercial production within the current fiscal year after conducting test production, said the hydropower company.

"The test production has started. If no problems arise, it will begin commercial production within the current fiscal year,” said hydropower’s accountant Harikrishna Nepal.

The Nepal Electricity Authority(NEA) also needs to conduct test production before starting commercial production. The company also has plans to issue Initial Public Offering(IPO).

The project has been constructed in Annapurna Rural Municipality of Myagdi. Approximately 3,500 meter- long tunnel has been constructed in the project. The civil works of this project, which has been under construction since 2074 BS, were carried out by South Asian Infrastructure Private Limited.

The electricity generated from the project will be connected to Nepal Electricity Authority's Dana sub-station. For that purpose, a 33-kilometer transmission line has been constructed, spanning approximately 8 kilometers in length.