Chairman WAPDA Naveed Asghar Chaudhry visited the Dasu Hydropower Project on Tuesday. He reviewed ongoing construction and met with project officials and engineers. The Chairman inspected key sites including the main dam, underground powerhouse, and the newly aligned Karakoram Highway. He also led a progress review meeting on-site.
Project officials briefed him on work at 20 locations. They reported that excavation on both sides of the dam was complete. The bypass tunnel and river diversion channel are also ready. Excavation of the dam foundation is still ongoing and will likely end by October 2025. RCC work on the dam will begin in March 2026.
Excavation for the powerhouse is expected to finish by February 2026. The 25-km realigned highway, including 7 tunnels and 3 bridges, should be ready by March 2026. Power generation is planned to start in 2027. The Chairman urged all teams to speed up work while keeping quality high.
He called the project vital for Pakistan’s energy future and economy. With World Bank support, the 4,320 MW plant is located in Upper Kohistan. The current phase (Stage I) will generate 2,160 MW and 12 billion clean energy units each year. This will help reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels.
Apart from power, the project includes social development. Rs17.34 billion is set for welfare schemes in nearby areas. The Chairman said the project must benefit both the national grid and the local people. He stressed full dedication from all contractors, consultants, and workers to meet deadlines.