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RCC Construction on Diamer Basha and Dasu Dams to Begin This Year
Chairman WAPDA Reviews Progress and Calls for Accelerated Implementation
February 15, 2026: Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd) visited the under-construction Diamer Basha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project today to review progress. Authorities briefed him that roller-compacted-concrete (RCC) works on the main dams of both projects are set to commence this year, as preparatory work nears completion.
During the visit, the Chairman directed the GMs, consultants, and contractors of both projects to strictly follow implementation plans and accelerate construction to ensure timely completion.
In the first leg of his visit, he toured the Diamer Basha Dam Project on the River Indus, 40 km downstream of Chilas town. He inspected key sites including the power intake, dam pit, downstream coffer dam, left abutment, flushing tunnel, guide wall, RCC batching plant, and laboratory. The GM/PD, along with consultants and contractors, briefed him on achievements versus targets. Currently, construction is underway at 20 work sites. Excavation at the left abutment and dam pit is substantially complete, and RCC trials for the main dam have been successfully conducted. Placement of RCC will begin this year, with project completion scheduled for 2030.
The Chairman also met local Ulema to review progress on Community Benefit Measures (CBMs) for local development. Updates included the completion of Cadet College Chilas, 61% progress at Harpan Das Model Village, ongoing leveling of plots, road works, water supply, and sewerage. Contracts for a water supply scheme in Chilas and a Rural Health Centre at Shatial are underway.
Diamer Basha Dam is a key project for Pakistan’s water, food, and energy security. It will store 8.1 MAF to irrigate 1.2 million acres and generate 4,500 MW, producing 18 billion units of clean, low-cost electricity annually.
In the second leg, the Chairman visited the Dasu Hydropower Project in Upper Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He inspected the dam pit, underground powerhouse, and transformer cavern. Construction is ongoing at 23 work fronts, with crushing and batching plants operational. RCC placement for the main dam will begin this year. The 132 KV transmission line for construction power is in its final testing phase and will be energized shortly. Electricity generation is expected to start in 2028.
The Chairman was briefed on CBMs under the Local Rural Area Development Programme, with 31 infrastructure, public health, and education schemes completed and others ongoing. He also inaugurated a 132 KV Grid Station at the Dasu Project.
The 4,320 MW Dasu Hydropower Project is being completed in two stages. Stage-1 of 2,160 MW will provide 12 billion units of clean, green, and affordable electricity to the national grid