- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):Significant progress has been achieved on the World Bank-funded 500kV Tarbela 5th Extension Transmission Line Project, which has recorded 87.5 percent physical and 87 percent financial completion by the end of September 2025
The project, a vital component of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), is being implemented by a joint venture of M/s Netracon and MMP-BIDR (JV) with an approved PC-I cost of Rs4,140.33 million and a contracted value of Rs2,504 million. Its main objective is to ensure reliable and efficient evacuation of additional power from the Tarbela Hydropower Station into the national grid.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the design and engineering work has reached 97.5 percent completion, while procurement activities stand at 97.2 percent, ensuring that all essential materials have been secured.
On-site construction work is also advancing steadily, with civil works completed up to 85 percent and erection of transmission structures at 76 percent. The stringing process, involving installation of the transmission lines, has achieved 29 percent progress, and testing and commissioning will commence once physical construction is fully completed.
Alongside the Tarbela project, several other major World Bank-funded initiatives are also advancing under the national transmission expansion programme. The 500kV Double Circuit Overhead Transmission Line Project for the 500kV Nowshera Grid Station has achieved 93 percent physical progress as of September 29, 2025.
The project, being executed by M/s Netracon in collaboration with M/s Barqaab Consulting Services, has a total contract value of US$6.28 million (Rs406.3 million) and an approved PC-I cost of Rs41,111 million. Its contractual completion date was April 17, 2025, but the timeline has been extended to December 31, 2025 to allow for final testing and commissioning.
Meanwhile, the World Bank-funded Dasu Transmission Line Project is also advancing to enhance Pakistan’s high-voltage grid and improve power evacuation from upcoming hydropower plants in the north. The project comprises two main components – Lot-I (765kV Dasu–Mansehra, 157km) and Lot-II (765kV Mansehra–Islamabad West, 97.6km).
As of September-end, the Dasu–Mansehra section has achieved 38 percent physical and 21 percent financial progress, while the Mansehra–Islamabad West section has reached 42 percent physical and 34 percent financial completion. The design and engineering work for both segments has been completed, procurement has advanced between 40 and 50 percent, and civil and erection works are proceeding steadily.
The Dasu Transmission Line Project, with a total estimated cost of Rs132,249.76 million (US$123.46 million plus Rs11,070 million), is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s broader transmission enhancement strategy. Officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) said the initiative is essential for integrating clean and affordable hydropower into the national grid, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and ensuring a stable power supply to northern and central regions of the country.
Upon completion, the Tarbela 5th Extension Transmission Line, together with the Dasu–Mansehra–Islamabad corridor, will form a major backbone for long-distance power transfer in Pakistan.
These projects, collectively funded and supported under international development frameworks, are expected to play a decisive role in strengthening national energy security, increasing grid reliability, and ensuring efficient utilization of future hydropower generation.