Breakthrough in Arun III Hydropower Project: Key Facts and Milestones
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | 900 MW Arun III Hydropower Project |
| Location | Sankhuwasabha District, Eastern Nepal |
| Type of Project | Run-of-the-river hydropower plant |
| Head Race Tunnel Length | 11.83 km (Fyaksindha to Pukhuwa) |
| Project Budget | USD 1.4 billion |
| Construction Start Date | May 2018 |
| Main Tunnel Breakthrough Date | June 5 |
| Completion Status | 75% completed |
| Expected Electricity Generation | 3,924 million units annually |
| Project Developer | Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) |
| Agreement Signed Date | November 2014 |
| Financial Benefits to Nepal | Rs 348 billion (dividends, taxes, VAT, customs, energy, and royalties over 25 years) |
| Transmission Line Length | 217 km (under construction) |
| Associated Projects | 679 MW Lower Arun Hydropower Project (USD 1.3 billion deal signed in July 2021) |
| Energy Trade Agreement | 21.9% of monthly energy generated free of cost (approx. Rs 155 billion) |
| Project History | Conceptualized in mid-1980s, redesigned in 1990s, faced delays due to World Bank withdrawal |
| Key Attendees at Event | Nepal Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava |