Work to begin for 4680MW Indo-Bhutan hydro projects

Hydropower projects totaling 4680MW capacity under Indo-Bhutan joint initiative will begin construction within a year.

The most important in this list of projects is the 2560MW Sankosh, which is the single largest project in Bhutan.

Pre-construction infrastructure works including building access bridges and roads are to start in August 2012 in both sides of the border, said Economic Affairs Minister of Bhutan, Mr. K Wangchuk.

The construction of main work including the dam and power house is likely to begin in 2013.

India will provide entire funding.

Works for four other hydropower projects, namely the 600MW Kholongchhu, 770MW Chamkharchhu, 180MW Bunakha, and 570MW Wangchhu, are slated to start by this year.

While giving significant financial benefit to Bhutan, the projects are expected to brighten India's power profile to a great extent.

Bhutan is committed to develop 10,000MW new power generation capacity dedicated for India by 2020. And, "India is also keen on utilizing Bhutan's untapped hydropower potential," said India's Union power Minister Mr. S K Shinde.

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