EXIM Bank China to provide US$448 million for Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project

Lahore, May 28, 2013 (PPI-OT): The EXIM Bank of China signed an agreement with the Government of Pakistan to provide US $ 448 million for strategically important 969 MW-Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. This agreement is a significant development in the efforts to secure requisite financial resources for the remaining works of under-construction Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project is being constructed on River Neelum in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In addition to generating much-needed low-cost hydel electricity to help mitigate power shortages in the country, the project is also equally important for Pakistan to establish priority water rights. In view of its significance, WAPDA is making all possible efforts to complete Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project by 2016 according to its construction schedule.

At present, the construction work on all sites of the project is progressing satisfactorily. Out of total 67-kilometre (km) tunnels, 34.24 km long tunnels (51%) have so far been excavated, while excavation of under-ground power house stands at 75.24% and transformers hall at 96.33%. De-sander of the project is 95% complete and Nauseri Bridge over River Neelum is 100% complete. Second stage diversion of the River Neelum has also been completed.

It is pertinent to mention that Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, on completion, will contribute 5.15 billion units of cheap electricity every year to the National Grid. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at about Rs. 45 billion.

For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029
Cell: +92333 445 8293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com