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LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has signed a Rs133.18 billion agreement with Power China-IKAN Joint Venture (JV) for the hydro-mechanical works under the Diamer-Basha Dam Project.

The agreement for the HM-1 contract was signed at a ceremony held at WAPDA House. CE/PD Diamer-Basha Dam Arif Ali signed on behalf of WAPDA, while Ling Jianke represented the joint venture.

Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd), Member Finance, Member Water, Member Power, CEO Diamer Basha Development Company, a delegation of the joint venture led by the chairman of Power China International Group Limited, and representatives of the project consultants attended the ceremony.

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The HM-1 contract covers hydro-mechanical equipment and hydraulic steel structures for the project. The scope of work includes the manufacturing, supply and installation of gates and steel structures to regulate water flows at the dam. The equipment will be installed at the flushing tunnels on both banks, power intakes and outlets. The contract also includes steel lining, hoisting and pumping systems, along with associated electrical works.

The Diamer-Basha Dam is a priority project of the federal government aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. It is being constructed across the River Indus, 40 kilometres downstream of Chilas. Upon completion, the dam will have a gross water storage capacity of 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) and an installed power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts (MW).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026