Budhigandaki Hydropower Project is a storage type project located in Central/ Western Development region on the Budhigandaki River of Nepal. This project was identified during the Gandaki Basin Study in late 70's. In 1984, a prefeasibility study of the project was prepared. The ongoing Feasibility study of the Project has recommended 1200 MW capacity plant with FSL 540 masl.
The project lies in Gorkha and Dhading districts in Western/ Central Development region of Nepal. The project site is accessible through Benighat (At about a distance of 80 km from Kathmandu) on Prithvi Highway (Kathmandu - Pokhara). From Benighat, a motorable composite bridge can be used to cross the Trishuli River and access the Dam and Powerhouse site both of which are at a distance of about 1.5 km from the road head.
Catchment Area:
Gorkha: 2,700 km2
Dhading: 900 km2
Nuwakot: 35 km2
China: 1,365 km2
Total: 5,000 km2
Dam Site:
About 2 km u/s of the confluence between Budhigandaki and Trhshuli at Benighat
VDC lies in Catchment Area:
Gorkha: 37
Dhading: 27
Nuwakot: 2
Manang: 1
Total: 67
Dam Site:
Ghyalchok VDC (Gorkha)
Salang VDC (Dhading)