Client

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) of Pakistan.

Location

Diamer Bhasha Dam Project is planed to built on river Indus, about 300 km upstream of Tarbela Dam Project, Pakistan and about 40 km downstream of Chilas Town, which is the headquarter of Diamer District of Northern Areas.

Engineering Studies

Initial Feasibility Report of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project was prepared by Canadian Consultants “Montreal Engineering Company (MONENCO) during 1981-1984. WAPDA appointed M/S NEAC Consultants, a joint venture consisted of local & foreign firms, NESPAK (Lead Firm) for up-gradation of the Initial Feasibility Study. The Upgraded Feasibility Report of the Project was submitted by M/s NEAC on 31st August, 2004. International Panel of Experts declared that the Project is technically feasible.

Construction

Construction on the project is expected to start in 2009 following international competitive biddings.
The project is expected to be complete by 2016. The estimated project cost is US$ 8.5 billion.

Salient Features of the Project

  • Availability of about 6.4 MAF annual surface water storage of supplementing irrigation supplies during low flow periods.
  • Harnessing of renewable source of clean and cheap energy through installed capacity of 4500 MW
  • Once complete, the project will contribute more than 18 000 GWh/y to the national grid.
  • It will be the highest roller-compacted concrete type in the world, with an estimated lifespan of 100 years, owing to its design, that prevents silting.
MAIN DAM
Maximum Height 272 m 892 ft
Length 939 m 3,080 ft
Type Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC)
DIVERSION SYSTEM
2 No. Diversion tunnels
1 No. Diversion channel
Upstream and Downstream Cofferdams
MAIN SPILLWAY Ogee Type with Flip Bucket and Plunge Pool
No. of gates 14
Size of gates 11.5 x 16.24 m 37.7 x 53.3 ft
RESERVOIR
Gross capacity 10.0 BCM 8.1 MAF
Live capacity 7.9 BCM 6.4 MAF
Min. operation level El. 1,060 m 3,478 ft
IRRIGATION OUTLET
Type Steel conduit
Diameter 6 ft. 1.8 m
Capacity 377 cusecs 10.7 cumecs
Length 1,490 ft. 454 m
OUTLETS
Low Level / Sluicing 2 / 5
POWERHOUSE(S) 2
Total installed capacity 4500 MW
Location and type Two, one each under the right and left abutment
No. of units 12 each of 375 MW
Average generation 18,000 Gwh/year
ESTIMATED COST Rs. 680 Billion US $ 8.5 Billion