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Construction of the 7.63 MW Jurimba Khola Small Hydropower Project, located in wards 1 and 3 of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchok, is progressing rapidly. Jurimba Hydro Power Company is carrying out work on all project structures with the goal of completing the project within 2026.

The project, situated within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, is currently prioritizing the construction of the flood protection wall (flood wall), headworks, and settling basin, according to Project Chief Pramesh Thapa.

He said that around 70–80 percent of the flood wall construction has already been completed, while excavation work for the headworks and settling basin is ongoing. The project aims to complete the major civil structures within the next four to five months. According to Thapa, work is being carried out with the objective of completing the entire project within 2083 BS and connecting it to the national transmission grid.

The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs. 1.86 billion, with a financing structure comprising 66 percent bank loans and 34 percent equity investment. According to the company, financial closure under the leadership of Prime Bank was completed a year ago. The company has now opened the sale of promoter shares as part of its strategy to increase equity and reduce bank borrowing. It believes that the capital raised through the sale of promoter shares, priced at Rs. 100 per share, will reduce interest expenses and further strengthen the project’s financial position.

According to the company, the process of purchasing promoter shares has been made convenient through digital platforms. Interested investors can fill out the application form online, deposit the required amount in the bank, and submit the payment voucher along with the necessary documents via WhatsApp. The company aims to issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to the general public around Mid Nov/Mid Jan 2026-2027, after completing the promoter share sale.

Technically, the project is based on an 827-meter head. It will include the construction of a 3.5-kilometer penstock pipeline and a 6.6-kilometer transmission line, through which the generated electricity will be connected to the Bahrabise Substation.

Although construction work is progressing satisfactorily, the time required to obtain approvals from government agencies and complete administrative procedures has become the biggest challenge to implementing the project, according to Thapa. He said that even the approval of a single file takes a long time, and such procedural delays can affect the project’s progress. He also expressed concern that delays in the construction of the Lapsiphedi Substation could hamper the project’s future connection to the national transmission grid.

The company said that the remote location of the project initially lacked adequate infrastructure and accommodation facilities, making it difficult to retain technical personnel - particularly female engineers - at the project site for extended periods. Despite these challenges, the project is being led by Managing Director Srijana Pun, reflecting the company’s commitment to promoting inclusive leadership.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the project has been supporting road and healthcare development in wards 1 and 3 of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality. Around 100 people are currently employed by the project. Besides technical personnel, priority has been given to local residents for tipper and excavator operations as well as other subcontracting works, according to Thapa.

The company expressed confidence that, considering the project’s cooperation with the local community, sound financial management, and satisfactory construction progress, it will achieve its target of starting power generation within the scheduled timeframe. However, it emphasized that timely resolution of transmission line availability and delays in government procedures will be crucial.

The project is a six-hour Peaking Run-of-River (PRoR) hydropower scheme, designed to generate electricity at full capacity for approximately six hours each day during periods of peak electricity demand.

Urja Sanchar