Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Projectफुकोट कर्णाली जलविद्युत आयोजना
A 480 MW project on the Karnali River in Kalikot, to be developed by Nepal's VUCL jointly with India's NHPC under a 2023 MoU. Detailed feasibility is complete, EIA is in its final stage and land has been acquired, but in 2025 Nepal's Supreme Court ordered the government to revise the deal to increase Nepal's free-electricity share, and construction has not started.
Installed capacity
480 MW
Peaking run-of-river
River / basin
Karnali
Karnali basin
Location
Kalikot
Karnali
Expected online
2032
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.
- 2023
MoU signed between VUCL and NHPC (India)
- 2025
Supreme Court orders revision to raise Nepal's free-energy share
- 2032Planned
Possible commissioning if developed
Location
Approximate dam-area location on OpenStreetMap — precise to the district and river reach, not the exact structure.
Phukot Karnali 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 Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project?+
The Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project has an installed capacity of 480 MW. It is a peaking run-of-river hydropower scheme.
Which river is the Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project on?+
The project is on the Karnali River, part of Nepal's Karnali basin, in Kalikot district, Karnali Province.
Who is developing the Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project?+
The Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project is developed by Vidhyut Utpadan Company Ltd (VUCL) with NHPC (India) (joint venture), with NHPC Limited (India); VUCL (Nepal).
What is the status of the Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project?+
As of mid-2026 the project is proposed / under development. Detailed feasibility done, EIA final stage, land acquired; free-energy share disputed (Supreme Court ordered revision 2025); construction not started
When is the Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project expected to be commissioned?+
The Phukot Karnali Hydroelectric Project is expected to be commissioned around 2032, though dates for projects under development frequently shift.
Sources & data note
Figures for Phukot Karnali 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.