CPEC: WAPDA chief reviews Dasu Dam construction, urges timely completion of power project

Upper Kohistan: Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Engineer Lt. General Sajjad Ghani (retd), conducted a detailed review of construction activities at the strategically vital Dasu Hydropower Project, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s clean energy ambitions under Vision 2025 under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The Chairman’s day-long visit focused on inspecting progress at key construction sites including the River Diversion System, Main Dam, Power House, and the relocated section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH-1). He was accompanied by the General Manager/Project Director, project consultants, and contractors, who briefed him on site-wise progress and future milestones.

The Rs 500 billion-plus project, located on the River Indus in Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is being constructed in two stages. Stage-I, currently underway, has a capacity of 2,160 MW with a projected annual output of 12 billion units of affordable, clean electricity. Full project completion will eventually bring total capacity to 4,320 MW.

According to project officials, excavation work on the right and left abutments of the Main Dam has been completed, while right-side bypass tunnels and open channels are ready to handle flood season overflow. Coffer dams upstream and downstream have also been completed, and excavation of the dam’s foundation is expected to conclude by August 2025.

A critical milestone—placement of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) in the Main Dam—is set to begin in December this year. Excavation of the underground Power House is scheduled to be completed by January 2026.

Meanwhile, work on the realigned 25-kilometer stretch of the Karakoram Highway, including seven tunnels and three bridges, will be finished by February 2026. Power generation is on track to commence in 2027.

During his visit, Chairman Sajjad Ghani emphasized the need to meet timelines without compromising quality. He also engaged with local community elders in a Jirga to discuss compensation under the Enhanced Self-Managed Relocation (ESMR) package and implementation of Local Area Development Schemes (LADS).

He reaffirmed WAPDA’s commitment to socio-economic upliftment in the region, highlighting large-scale investments being made in resettlement, environmental protection, and local development.

Under the CPEC, the Dasu Hydropower Project is a flagship initiative aimed at tackling Pakistan’s growing energy needs through sustainable sources.

Once operational, the CPEC project will play a pivotal role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, stabilizing the national grid, and mitigating seasonal power shortages.