Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Projectभेरी बबई डाइभर्सन बहुउद्देश्यीय आयोजना
A government multipurpose project diverting ~40 m³/s from the Bheri River into the Babai to irrigate ~51,000 ha in Banke and Bardiya while generating 46.8 MW. The diversion tunnel — Nepal's first TBM-bored tunnel — was completed in 2019, but overall progress was only ~68% by FY2024-25 after repeated delays; water diversion is now expected by FY2027-28.
Installed capacity
47 MW
Run-of-river
River / basin
Bheri (diverted to Babai)
Karnali basin
Location
Surkhet
Lumbini
Expected online
2028
Under construction
Milestones & projected timeline
Key dates so far, with planned milestones marked. Future dates are targets from the developer or government and frequently shift.
- 2015
Construction began (groundbreaking)
- 2019
Diversion tunnel completed (TBM)
- 2025
~68% cumulative progress
- 2028Planned
Expected water diversion / completion
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project: key facts
Quick answers on capacity, river, developer, status and commissioning, drawn from the sourced data above.
What is the capacity of the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project?+
The Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project has an installed capacity of 47 MW. It is a run-of-river hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project on?+
The project is on the Bheri (diverted to Babai) River, part of Nepal's Karnali basin, in Surkhet district, Lumbini Province.
Who is developing the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project?+
The Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project is developed by Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project (Govt. of Nepal) (government (nea)).
What is the status of the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is under construction.
When is the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project expected to be commissioned?+
The Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project is expected to be commissioned around 2028, though dates for projects under development frequently shift.
Sources & data note
Figures for Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project are compiled from the sources below and cross-checked where possible. Status and projected dates reflect research as of mid-2026 and may change as the project progresses. The map location is an approximate dam-area estimate. Commentary is Amarnepal's own.