According to information received from sources, the National Grid Company of Pakistan and the Power Division have been directed to immediately finalize the power evacuation plan for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, while the Power Division, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, will also arrange financing for the transmission infrastructure.
Sources further stated that WAPDA has already shared the commercial operation timelines of the project’s 12 power generation units with the Independent System and Market Operator. According to the project schedule, Unit-1 will become operational in October 2032, Unit-2 in December 2032, Unit-3 in February 2033, Unit-4 in April 2033, Unit-5 in June 2033, Unit-6 in August 2033, Unit-7 in February 2034, Unit-8 in April 2034, Unit-9 in June 2034, Unit-10 in August 2034, Unit-11 in February 2035, and Unit-12 in April 2035. WAPDA has committed to fully adhering to these schedules, subject to the timely availability of financial resources.
However, sources noted that alongside generation units, the development of transmission infrastructure is also essential to achieve the full benefits of the project. The National Grid Company has been assigned responsibility for planning, implementation, and operational readiness of the transmission system. WAPDA has emphasized that any lack of coordination between generation and transmission schedules could lead to project delays and inefficient utilization of installed capacity.
According to sources, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministries of Planning, Economic Affairs, Finance, and Water Resources to ensure timely provision of financial resources through the Public Sector Development Programme and to avoid delays in the completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, and Dasu Hydropower projects. Upon completion, the project is expected to have a water storage capacity of 6.4 million acre-feet and an annual power generation potential of 18.1 billion units. For financing needs, priority will be given to long-term concessional loans, international capital markets, and sovereign wealth funds.
Sources added that financial approval for all future projects should be completed before the commencement of work to avoid cost overruns and delays.
