Prof. Shatrughan Shrestha
Nepal’s First Hydro Power Station Pharping
Pharping Hydro Power Station, considered to be second hydropower station in Asia is the first power station built in Nepal and hence, holds the legacy of hydro power development in Nepal for more than a century. It was inaugurated by the late King Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah Dev on Monday, 22 May, 1911 (B.S. 1968 9th Jestha). It is located in Dakshinkali Municipality, nearly 12 km south from city.
Historical Background
After the visit of Britain by Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher in 1964 B.S., a committee was formed, realizing the necessity of hydropower station, executive engineering Cornel Keshar Nar Singh Rana for planning of the hydropower Station.
Project Cost :
The total cost of NRs 0.71 million was incurred by the Government of Nepal which includes,
Pipeline Head words/Reservoir 196324.84
Power House Colony/Tailrace and widening of Bagmati river 15677831
Substation office store :- 3617580
Transmission line/Street light/ Distribution Line and Telephone line 111049.50
London to Calcutta Transportation Commission of Agent 28699.26
Calcutta to Bhimphedi Transportation 40311.79
Bhimphedi To site 40372.32
Salary/Wages 103565.00
Total NRs. 713273.82
The Cost of equipment, (Generators, Turbines, etc) are not included in the above cost. They seemed to be given on grant by British Government to Nepal.
Operation and Maintenance
There are two units each 250K.W. with an aggregate installed capacity of 500 KW, the power station was generating energy till 1982 AD (2038 B.S.). As the water from penstock has been diverted to drinking water supply to Kathmandu by KUKL -sf7df8f}+ pkTosf vfg]kfgL ln=_
The plant is not being operated for generation now a days though it has been placed in stand by mode to operate occasionally and to demonstrate to the visitors.
Proposed layout for Pharping Museum
After 25 years of shutdown of the plant, major equipment was repaired and overhauled in F/Y 2062/2063 and both units were tested and commissioned with local load. It was synchronized with integrated Nepal power station (INPS) again on December 20, 2006.
NEA Management had done agreement with NEA Engineering company as a consultant to develop Pharping Hydropower Station as hydropower museum. The master plan to develop the first hydropower Station of Nepal and second oldest hydropower plant is Asia as energy museum at Pharping hydropower station is under progress. The master plan envisages retrofitting/restoration of existing structures, detail architecture and engineering design of modern museum, proper maintain of electrical equipment with modern amenities and recreational facilities to promote the area as a knowledge center for new learners, Students and visitors of the related fields.
Salient Features :
Head Pond
Diameter 200 ft.
Depth 18 ft.
Total storage capacity 528783 cubic fit.
Pen Stock pipe
Diameter (Internal) 20 inch
Total length of pipes 2538 ft.
Power Station General
Design Head 682 ft.
Installed Capacity 500 k.w.
Number of Units Two
Turbine Generator Sets Two
Shaft Configuration Horizontal
Turbine
Type Pelton
Revolution 6000pm
Manufacturer GE Company U.S.A.
Generator
Type Synchronous, 3 phase
Capacity 312.5 KVA
Power factor 0.8
Rated Voltage 3.3 kv
Rated Current 54.8A
Configuration Y
Excitation Voltage 37v
Excitation current 169A
Transformer
Capacity 350 KVA
Voltage Level 3.3/11 KV
Numbers 2
Breaker Type MocB ALL
M/C Synchronized 11KV
Overhead Transmission Line
Length 6 miles
Poles steel
Type Wooden
Two Major Crossings of Bagamati River 600 ft and 800 fit long
Writer Prof. Economist
Shatrughan Shrestha