Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Projectबूढीगण्डकी जलविद्युत आयोजना
Nepal's largest planned domestic reservoir project, a 263 m dam on the Budhi Gandaki River straddling Gorkha and Dhading, creating a ~50 km² reservoir. Developed by the state-owned Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Company (GoN 80% / NEA 20%) and funded largely through a dedicated petroleum infrastructure tax. A 2017 EPC contract with Power China was scrapped; the government approved a domestic financing modality in 2025–26, but construction has not begun and resettlement of ~45,000 people is a major challenge.
Installed capacity
1,200 MW
Reservoir
River / basin
Budhi Gandaki
Gandaki basin
Location
Gorkha / Dhading
Gandaki / Bagmati
Expected online
2033
Proposed / under development
Milestones & projected timeline
Key dates so far, with planned milestones marked. Future dates are targets from the developer or government and frequently shift.
- 2017
EPC contract awarded to Power China, later terminated
- 2019
Government prioritised Dudhkoshi; Budhi Gandaki stalled
- 2025–26
Domestic investment / financing modality approved
- 2033Planned
Possible commissioning if financed (~8-year build)
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project: key facts
Quick answers on capacity, river, developer, status and commissioning, drawn from the sourced data above.
What is the capacity of the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project?+
The Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project has an installed capacity of 1,200 MW. It is a reservoir hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project on?+
The project is on the Budhi Gandaki River, part of Nepal's Gandaki basin, in Gorkha / Dhading district, Gandaki / Bagmati Province.
Who is developing the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project?+
The Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project is developed by Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Company Ltd (government (nea)), with Power China (2017 EPC contract, later scrapped); domestic public funding.
What is the status of the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is proposed / under development. Detailed design complete; investment modality approved 2025–26; construction not yet started
When is the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project expected to be commissioned?+
The Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project is expected to be commissioned around 2033, though dates for projects under development frequently shift.
Sources & data note
Figures for Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric 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.