Kathmandu: The Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project is all set to go into the testing of electricity production in the next two weeks with the project reaching near the final stage of construction work.

According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the project is targeted to complete construction by April 23. “The main tunnel and penstock pipe of the power plant will be filled with water on April 24 for the trial production if everything goes as planned,” said NEA’s executive director Hitendra Dev Shakya.

Currently, the work of installing a penstock pipe that connects the lower tunnel and the upper tunnel of the power house is underway. The contractor of the Lot-2 hydro mechanical work is reported to be completing its work by April 19. Following the completion of the hydro mechanical work, the project will conduct technical testing of gate, manhole and valves.

The hydroelectric project has planned to operate its underground fitted six turbines and six generators to produce electricity from the first unit by mid-May. The project consists of six units each with capacity of producing 76 MW of electricity.

The 456 MW national pride project is being constructed with domestic investment. The total cost estimated till the completion of the project will be around Rs 76 billion, according to the NEA.