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The 1,063.36 MW Upper Arun Hydroelectric Project, one of Nepal’s largest hydropower projects, has officially commenced tunnel construction. The first blast for a 2.03-kilometre tunnel in the Namse section of the powerhouse–dam access road has been successfully completed.

According to Upper Arun Hydroelectric Limited, the inaugural blast was carried out following a traditional worship ceremony at the tunnel portal.

The tunnel is a key component of the approximately 21-kilometre access road connecting the powerhouse and dam sites. With the successful completion of the first blast, the project’s physical construction is expected to gain further momentum.

The Upper Arun Hydroelectric Project, under construction in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha, is a national priority project being developed by Upper Arun Hydroelectric Limited, a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Established in 2016 (2073 BS), the company is developing the project, with the NEA holding a 68 percent stake and the remaining 32 percent owned by the general public. Once completed, it will become Nepal’s largest hydropower project.

The project is being developed with a target of generating approximately 4,531 GWh of electricity annually. The electricity produced will be evacuated into the national grid through a 400 kV transmission line. Construction of the project’s major structures accelerated after it received its power generation licence a few months ago.

The company described the successful first tunnel blast as another significant milestone in the project’s construction journey. It expressed its gratitude and congratulations to the employees, technical teams, construction partners, and all other stakeholders who contributed directly and indirectly to this achievement.

Jalasarokar