The 57.5 MW capacity Nupche-Likhu Hydropower Project under construction in Ramechhap district has been physically completed 93.83%. According to the latest progress report released by the project promoter company, Vision Energy and Power Limited, about 89.90% of the total budget has been spent so far, while overall construction work has reached its final stage.

The company’s report, which covers the progress from approximately October 18, 2025, to January 3, 2026, stated that preparations have been accelerated to bring the project to Commercial Operation Date (COD) within the revised timeline.

The excavation work of the Headrace Tunnel (HRT)—considered the most complex part of the project—has been completed, while the tunnel finishing work is about 69% complete on average. Overall, tunnel shotcreting has been completed over 94%, and the invert lining and rib segment lining are also progressing in stages.

The company stated that the civil structures of both Likhu and Nupche headworks are almost complete. At the Likhu Headworks, progress has exceeded 99%, while work related to the intake, settling basin, floodwall, valve house, and tailrace canal is in its final stage.

Penstock, Anchor Blocks, and Vertical Shaft

Out of 27 anchor blocks along the project’s penstock alignment, 25 have been constructed. Along the Likhu headrace pipe alignment, all 20 anchor blocks have been completed. At Nupche, 8 out of 9 anchor blocks are complete, with one in the final stage, according to the report.

In the vertical shaft, 221 meters of concreting and in the penstock tunnel, 500 meters of concreting have been completed, which is considered a technically significant achievement due to the project’s high head and complex structures.

Electro-Mechanical and Hydro-Mechanical Progress

Electro-Mechanical (EM) work is 92.53% complete. Installation of the turbine, housing, and generator for one of the three units has been finished, while erection work for the remaining units is ongoing. The main transformer assembly and the protection panel in the powerhouse have been installed, the company stated.

Significant progress has also been reported in Hydro-Mechanical (HM) work, which is over 93% complete overall. Penstock pipe erection is 94% complete, while work at Likhu HRP is nearly complete, and at Nupche HRP, over 82% of the work has been finished.

Transmission Line at 89% Progress

The 24-kilometer, 132 kV transmission line connected to the project has reached 89.16% completion. The tower foundations, concreting, and tower erection work are nearly finished. However, stringing work is currently limited to about 34%, which the company plans to accelerate in the coming months.

Challenges and Management

The report also highlights the main challenges faced by the project. These include delays in the delivery of electro-mechanical equipment, difficulties at the site due to winter weather, demands from local authorities, geographical complexities, and the impact of recent political circumstances on the supply chain.

To manage these issues, the company has adopted measures such as local coordination, deployment of equipment and manpower, alternative work schedules, and advance storage of materials.

COD Target by April 2026

According to the latest revised schedule, the project’s Commercial Operation Date (COD) is set for April 13, 2026. The main remaining tasks include completion of all tunnel finishing, installation of the remaining turbine-generator units, full erection of the penstock and vertical shaft, and completion of transmission line stringing.

With a high head of approximately 1,006 meters and an annual generation capacity of around 381 GWh, the completion of the Nupche-Likhu project is expected to significantly add electricity to the national grid.

Jalasarokar