Kathmandu, July 5: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project – the national pride project of the country. The Prime Minister inaugurated the project virtually amidst a function organized at PM’s official residence, Baluwatar.

The first unit of the total 456-MW capacity project has come into operations from today onward. The project site, Gogar, and PM's residence Baluwatar were connected through visual mode during the inauguration. With the PM clicking the button via a visual medium, the first unit of the project came into operation.

The project having six units has set a new milestone in the evolution of the hydropower development of Nepal. This is so far the largest project which has been completed with domestic financing. The much-awaited hydropower project has come a long way of 11 years to generate power.

It was delayed due to natural disasters and other reasons. Only one unit has come into operation today and the remaining five will operate in a gradual manner. The project-generated electricity is connected to the national grid through a 47.2-km transmission line (from Gogara, Dolakha-based powerhouse to Khimti) having 220-KV capacity.

Though the primary estimated investment for the project was Rs 35 billion it surged to around Rs 80 billion due to fluctuations in the rates of US Dollars and interests.