WAPDA awards Rs. 10.6 billion Dargai Hydel contract

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has awarded a contract worth Rs. 10.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the Dargai Hydel Power Station to a Joint Venture (JV) comprising two Chinese companies and one Pakistani firm. The agreement, signed by the General Manager of WAPDA and the JV's authorized representative, aims to boost the station's capacity. The project is being financed by AFD, France.

The Dargai Hydel Power Station, situated in Malakand and established in 1952, is slated for a comprehensive overhaul over the next three years. Upon completion, the station is projected to produce 22 MW of clean hydel electricity, adding 130 million units annually to the National Grid at a minimal cost. This endeavor aligns with WAPDA's strategy to optimize Pakistan's hydropower resources by not only constructing new facilities but also upgrading existing ones.

WAPDA's focus on revamping and modernizing aging hydel power stations like Dargai is geared towards ramping up the production of eco-friendly and cost-efficient hydel electricity in the nation. The rehabilitation of the Dargai Hydel Power Station marks a significant stride towards this objective, ensuring the sustainable operation of the facility for years to come.