In a significant step towards realizing the goal of “Illuminating Karnali,” the Jagadulla Hydropower Company has solicited a global tender for the selection of contractors to undertake the physical construction of the Jagadulla Hydropower Project. This move marks a crucial milestone in the development of this strategic hydropower initiative in Nepal.
Sanjaya Sapkota, the Chief Executive Officer of the Jagadulla Hydropower Company, announced that the company has issued a global tender seeking bids for the main construction work, as well as the civil and mechanical components of the project. The tender notice was published on June 2, and interested parties have until August 1, 2024, to submit their applications.
The decision to call for a global tender was taken to expedite the project’s progress and ensure timely completion, following the successful management of financial arrangements. A bilateral loan agreement was recently signed in the presence of Shakti Bahadur Basnet, the Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, further solidifying the project’s financial backing.
A consortium of banks and financial institutions, led by Nabil Bank, has stepped forward to invest in the Jagadulla Hydropower Project. Nabil Bank’s contribution stands at a substantial Rs 4.4 billion, showcasing the project’s significance and the confidence it has garnered from the financial sector.
Other notable investors include Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited, Citizen Investment Trust, Laxmi Sunrise, and Everest Bank, further diversifying the project’s funding sources and underscoring its importance for Nepal’s energy sector.
“We have taken crucial steps on time, paving the way for completing the project within the stipulated timeframe,” CEO Sapkota affirmed, expressing confidence in the project’s progress.
The Jagadulla Hydropower Project, located in the Dolpa district, boasts an impressive total production capacity of 106 megawatts (MW). Once operational, the electricity generated will be connected to the Bafikot sub-station, which is set to be constructed by the Nepal Electricity Authority, further enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure.
As Nepal strives to harness its vast hydropower potential and address the growing demand for electricity, the Jagadulla Hydropower Project stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy development and the “Illuminating Karnali” initiative.
