NGC speeds up Mohmand, Suki Kinari and Kohala hydropower projects

By Ayesha Saba

ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (Wealth Pakistan) – NGC speeds up Mohmand and Suki Kinari and Kohala hydropower projects to strengthen power evacuation capacity and expand Pakistan’s high-voltage grid in less developed regions, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.

The National Grid Company (NGC) said the accelerated work on these hydropower projects is part of its Transmission System Expansion Plan (TSEP), ensuring faster integration of clean energy into the national grid. For more details, visit the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) website.

Major progress on NGC hydropower projects

With a PC-1 cost of Rs 79.93 billion, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project achieved a milestone when the 500kV Double Circuit Quad Bundle Transmission Line from Suki Kinari (884MW) to Sangal was successfully energized on June 27, 2024.

Survey and soil investigation work for the remaining lines has been completed. Procurement contracts for towers, conductors, and grounding equipment have been awarded, while deliveries are in progress.

Construction contracts for 500kV Maira–Islamabad and 500kV Maira–Karot lines were signed on July 22, 2025, marking the start of field activities. Further details are available on the Asian Development Bank project database.

Mohmand and Suki Kinari hydropower initiatives advancing

Meanwhile, NGC confirmed that the Mohmand Dam (816MW) evacuation project, valued at Rs 14.319 billion, is progressing on multiple fronts under ADB financing. Completion is expected between 2026 and 2027.

Procurement contracts for conductors, OPGW, and dampers have been finalized, while tenders for towers, circuit breakers, and control panels are under evaluation. Revised bidding documents for surge arrestors are being prepared.

The company noted that its Transmission System Expansion Plan is fully synchronized with the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) to ensure reliable and efficient power evacuation.

NGC hydropower expansion to enhance national grid reliability

Officials said that NGC speeds up Mohmand and Suki Kinari and Kohala hydropower projects to ensure grid stability, reduce transmission bottlenecks, and support Pakistan’s transition to clean energy.

They emphasized that while the supply of power to consumers remains under local DISCOs, NGC continues to expand and modernize the national transmission network.