August 8, 2025, Mongar – On an auspicious day, Bhutan marked a significant milestone in its clean energy journey as the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPP) held Salang Tendrel ceremonies to officially commence the construction of essential access roads and bridges. The ceremonies were conducted simultaneously at Kurizampa and Rewan, underscoring the project’s span across two Dzongkhags (districts) of Mongar and Lhuentse and its national importance.
Presided over by the Dzongdags of Mongar and Lhuentse, with spiritual blessings from the Lam Netens and monks of both Dratshangs, the events drew local leaders, project officials, contractors, and community members, united in their commitment to this landmark project.
The ceremony follows the July 28, 2025 signing of contracts with M/s KD Builders Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Chimmi RD Construction Pvt. Ltd. for 29.10 kilometers of access roads and two major Kurichhu River bridges, valued at Nu. 479.26 million. Scheduled for completion within one year, this infrastructure will be critical for transporting materials, machinery, and personnel to multiple sites -including the dam 7 km downstream of Autsho, the powerhouse near Lingmethang, and six intermediate adits for the head race tunnel across challenging terrain.
The project will adhere to stringent Environmental, Social, and Occupational Health and Safety standards and is being developed in strategic partnership with Tata Power Company Limited, with the World Bank as lead financier. Dorjilung is the second project (after Khorlochhu hydropower project) undertaken with Tata Power as a strategic partner, following a November 2024 MoU between DGPC and Tata Power to jointly develop 4,500 MW of hydropower and 500 MWp of solar PV projects.
With major civil works for the dam, head race tunnel, and powerhouse set to begin in early 2026, this ceremony marks not just the start of construction, but the laying of the groundwork for a transformative project that will bolster Bhutan’s clean energy capacity, enhance regional power integration, and cement the nation’s role as a leader in sustainable hydropower fulfilling the energy security of the nation.
