Druk Bindu, Jomori, Burgangchhu, and Yungichhu HPPs progressing steadily despite early challenges
Bhutan’s hydropower development pipeline is seeing steady progress across multiple sites, with four major projects—Druk Bindu I & II, Jomori, Burgangchhu, and Yungichhu—advancing toward their scheduled commissioning dates. While some projects faced minor delays during mobilization and initial works, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR) confirm that overall timelines remain intact.
Access road works to the (18+8) MW Druk Bindu I & II Hydropower Project (HPP) in Samtse were completed in November 2024, paving the way for main civil works awarded to M/s Penjor Construction Private Limited in December 2024. The contractor swiftly mobilized manpower and equipment, initiating construction of contractor facilities, headworks, headrace pipe tunnels, and powerhouse excavation.
Early implementation saw minor delays due to mobilization of heavy machinery and design revisions, but these have been resolved, and the 913-day (30-month) timeline remains unchanged, with commissioning expected on June 24, 2027.
Environmental safeguards are being implemented under a comprehensive ESIA prepared in line with Bhutan’s regulations and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) guidelines. Land acquisition has been completed with full compensation, and an on-site Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) team is monitoring compliance daily.
Power evacuation will be handled by Bhutan Power Corporation Limited (BPC), which is planning transmission lines to connect the plant to the Jamtsholing substation in time for commissioning.
In other developments, access road to the 90 MW Jomori HPP in Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in March 2025, with main civil works—divided into packages JCP1 and JCP2—awarded in December 2024 to M/s Rigsar Construction Private Limited and M/s Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL). Current works include excavation of the diversion tunnel, multiple adits, the headrace tunnel, pressure shaft, surge shaft, and powerhouse.
Electro-mechanical, hydro-mechanical, and Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) & Protection System contracts are scheduled for award by November 2025. To mitigate monsoon risks, sensitive surface works are concentrated in the dry season, while tunneling incorporates dewatering systems and flood-protection measures.
The 1,460-day schedule targets completion by December 22, 2028, in line with the original plan.
With 82.02% physical progress as of July 2025, the 54 MW Burgangchhu HPP in Zhemgang is on track for commissioning within the year. Major civil works are nearly complete, with only inter-package interfaces pending.
The main civil works are undertaken by CDCL, Electro-Mechanical works by Voith Hydro Pvt. Ltd., India, Hydro-Mechanical works by Bhutan Hydropower Services Ltd.(BHSL), Jigmeling, and SCADA & Protection works by Bhutan Automation & Engineering Ltd. (BAEL), Chhukha.
Officials from MoENR said that transport of heavy electro-mechanical equipment presented minor challenges due to road conditions, but these have been resolved. Coordination between contractors, Druk Hydro Energy (DHyE), Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), and local authorities is maintained through daily engagements, monthly reviews, and regular reporting to the Ministry.
With 87.39% completion as of July 2025, the 32 MW Yungichhu HPP in Lhuentse is in its final stages, targeting commissioning within the year. Most civil works are complete, with electro-mechanical, hydro-mechanical, and SCADA & Protection System installations in progress.
The project cost has risen from Nu 4,110.26 million in the DPR to Nu 4,754.05 million—an increase of 15.66%—due to updated estimates.
Environmental and social impacts were minimized during planning, with full compensation for acquired land coordinated through the Dzongkhag Land Lease Committee. Ongoing EHS monitoring is conducted by on-site and head office teams, complemented by compensatory afforestation in partnership with the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS). Post-construction restoration is planned to rehabilitate affected areas and safeguard biodiversity.
Bhutan’s hydropower expansion remains on schedule, with strong emphasis on environmental safeguards, community compensation, and infrastructure readiness. Officials maintain confidence that the projects will meet their commissioning targets while delivering long-term energy and economic benefits for the nation.
Tashi Namgyal from Thimphu
