Flood-damaged Rahughat hydropower plant resumes generation after repairs

The flood-damaged Rahughat Hydropower Project resumed electricity generation from Thursday, Asoj 22, after completing repairs.

A flood in the Kaligandaki River on Asoj 11 had submerged the project's powerhouse and damaged key structures and equipment. Water had entered the powerhouse through the tailrace gate, which was damaged, as it is normally used to return water to the river after power generation. The project, which had just completed construction and was generating power on a trial basis, was completely shut down after the flooding.

According to developer Raghuganga Hydropower Limited, water that had accumulated inside the powerhouse was first drained out. The damaged structures and equipment were then repaired and the necessary technical work completed.

According to company managing director Ganesh KC, one unit with a capacity of 20 MW is currently in operation. KC said the company had succeeded in repairing the damaged section and starting generation from one unit just 11 days after the flood. He said repair work is continuing, with preparations under way to bring the second unit into operation soon as well.

According to the company, the project has two units of 20 MW capacity each, with a total installed capacity of 40 MW. The project is currently running at only half capacity. Electricity from the project is connected to the national transmission system via the Kaligandaki Corridor 220 kV transmission line.