Pancheshwar Multipurpose Projectपञ्चेश्वर बहुउद्देश्यीय आयोजना
A 6,480 MW reservoir multipurpose project on the Mahakali (Sharda) River shared between Nepal (Baitadi/Darchula) and India, the centerpiece of the 1996 Mahakali Treaty. Despite a dedicated Pancheshwar Development Authority, the DPR has remained unfinalised for decades over benefit-sharing disputes; joint expert meetings continue but construction has not started.
Installed capacity
6,480 MW
Reservoir
River / basin
Mahakali
Mahakali basin
Location
Baitadi / Darchula
Sudurpashchim
Expected online
TBD
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.
- 1996
Mahakali Treaty signed; project envisioned
- 2014
Pancheshwar Development Authority established
- 2025
Joint expert group meetings to finalise DPR (still pending)
- TBDPlanned
Construction subject to DPR agreement
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Pancheshwar 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 Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project?+
The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project has an installed capacity of 6,480 MW. It is a reservoir hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on?+
The project is on the Mahakali River, part of Nepal's Mahakali basin, in Baitadi / Darchula district, Sudurpashchim Province.
Who is developing the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project?+
The Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project is developed by Pancheshwar Development Authority (India–Nepal joint) (joint venture), with Government of India (WAPCOS) and Government of Nepal.
What is the status of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is proposed / under development. Centerpiece of the 1996 Mahakali Treaty; DPR unfinalised over benefit-sharing disputes; no construction
Sources & data note
Figures for Pancheshwar 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.