By Ayesha Saba
ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (Wealth Pakistan) – The World Bank-funded Dasu Transmission Line Project is progressing steadily to strengthen Pakistan’s high-voltage grid, with significant milestones achieved and overall completion targeted for June 2026.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project consists of two key components: Lot-I (765 kV Dasu–Mansehra, 157 km) and Lot-II (765 kV Mansehra–Islamabad West, 97.6 km).
Progress on Dasu–Mansehra section
As of September 29, 2025, the 765 kV transmission line from Dasu to Mansehra has reached 38 percent physical progress and 21 percent financial progress, reflecting steady advancement toward its completion goal.
With a total PC-1 cost of Rs 132,249.76 million, the project will carry electricity from the Dasu Hydropower Project to the national grid.
A detailed review shows that design and engineering works are 100 percent complete, procurement stands at 40 percent, civil works at 27 percent, and erection at 15 percent, while testing and commissioning activities are yet to begin.
Progress on Mansehra–Islamabad West section
Meanwhile, the Mansehra–Islamabad West (97.6 km) segment has achieved 42 percent physical progress and 34 percent financial progress.
Design and engineering are fully complete, procurement has reached 50 percent, civil works 28 percent, and erection 2 percent, indicating visible progress across multiple fronts.
Part of Pakistan’s wider transmission expansion plan
With an estimated total cost of Rs 132,249.76 million (USD 123.46 million plus Rs 11,070 million), the Dasu Transmission Line Project forms part of Pakistan’s broader power-transmission expansion programme. The initiative aims to improve grid reliability and expand power-evacuation capacity from large hydropower plants in northern Pakistan.
Officials of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) said the project is crucial for integrating clean and affordable hydropower into the national grid. They noted that it will help reduce dependence on imported fuels and ensure a stable electricity supply to northern and central regions.
Key role in national energy security
Once operational, the Dasu–Mansehra–Islamabad corridor will become a critical high-capacity transmission backbone. It will enable efficient delivery of new hydropower generation and strengthen Pakistan’s overall energy-security framework.