HARIPUR: Construction work on the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project has been suspended indefinitely after water entered the construction area near Tunnel No. 5 following the collapse of a weak rock formation during excavation work.
According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), a section of weak rock collapsed during excavation of the Second Bench Connecting Tunnel, allowing water from the intake pit to flow into the under-construction powerhouse and tunnel area.
Following the incident, Pakistani and Chinese engineers, along with other foreign and local workers, were safely evacuated to secure locations. A worker who was swept away by the strong water current was also successfully rescued.
Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed confirmed that all workers had been moved to safety and that no loss of life had been reported.
WAPDA said water has been drained from the intake pit, and no further inflow is being reported at the downstream work sites. Dewatering operations at the under-construction powerhouse are also underway.
The authority dismissed reports that Tunnel No. 5 had collapsed, clarifying that the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard remained undamaged.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident, while senior WAPDA officials, engineers and contractors are assessing the situation.
The 1,530-megawatt project is expected to increase Tarbela Dam’s total installed power generation capacity from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW upon completion.
With an approved cost of $807 million, the project is now scheduled for completion by September 2027.
