Dobhan Khola Hydropower Project – 24.5 MW

Project Overview

The Dobhan Khola Hydropower Project (24.5 MW) is a Peaking Run-of-River (PRoR) project located in Dharche Rural Municipality–1, Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, Nepal. It is the first hydropower project on Dobhan Khola, a tributary of the Budhigandaki River.

Objectives

  • Generate 24,500 kW electricity
  • Strengthen the national grid during peak hours
  • Promote local infrastructure and socio-economic development

Project Location & Accessibility

  • Location: Hulchuk Village, Dharche RM-1, Gorkha District
  • 72 km west of Kathmandu (aerial distance)
  • Accessible via Arughat → Tatopani → Dobhan Bazaar → Hulchuk Village → Intake site
  • Motorable roads near powerhouse; bridge under construction for full access

Salient Features

  • Project Name: Dobhan Khola Hydropower Project
  • Location: Dharche RM – 01, Gorkha, Nepal
  • Capacity: 24.50 MW
  • Scheme Type: Peaking Run-of-River
  • Gross Head: 1079.65 m
  • Net Head: 1053.03 m
  • Design Discharge: 2.75 m³/s
  • Dry Season Energy: 43.18 GWh
  • Wet Season Energy: 100.57 GWh
  • Construction Status: Under Construction
  • Estimated Completion Date: 2085 / 06 / 30

Project Progress & Status

Physical Progress

Component Status
Access Road50% work completed
Bridge Construction35% work completed
Civil WorksNot Yet Started
Hydro-Mechanical WorksNot Yet Started
Transmission LineNot Yet Started
Overall Physical Progress of Project4%

MAJOR MILESTONES

Survey License
(16 MW)
2075/02/15
📋
🔄
Survey License
Updated (24.5 MW)
2078/02/27
Grid Connection
Agreement
2079/03/29
⚡
🤝
Power Purchase
Agreement (PPA)
2080/03/07
IEE Approval
2080/08/27
🌿
📄
Generation License
2080/12/05
Company
Registration
2081/08/12
🏛️
🔄
License Transfer to
Dobhan Khola
Hydropower Ltd
2081/10/20
DPR Started
2082/01/07
📊
💰
Financial Closure
2082/12/18
 
 
🏁
Commercial
Operation Date
2084/12/30
📋
Survey License (16 MW)
2075/02/15
🔄
Survey License Updated (24.5 MW)
2078/02/27
⚡
Grid Connection Agreement
2079/03/29
🤝
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
2080/03/07
🌿
IEE Approval
2080/08/27
📄
Generation License
2080/12/05
🏛️
Company Registration
2081/08/12
🔄
License Transfer to Dobhan Khola Hydropower Ltd
2081/10/20
📊
DPR Started
2082/01/07
💰
Financial Closure
2082/12/18
🏁
Commercial Operation Date
2084/12/30

Financial Overview

  • Estimated Project Cost: NPR 500 Cr
  • Debt–Equity Ratio: 70:30
  • Interest Rate: 11.5%, 10-year term
  • Project IRR: 14.73% | Equity IRR: 21.19%
  • Net Present Value (NPV): NPR 1,923 million
  • Payback Period: ~5 years

Environmental & Social Responsibility

  • Approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
  • Minimum downstream environmental flow maintained
  • Local employment and skill development
  • Infrastructure improvements: roads and bridges
  • Commitment to sustainable hydropower and community benefits

Scroll to Top