Rock Collapse at Tarbela T5 Allows Water to Enter Tunnel and Powerhouse Area

A rock collapse at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project on Monday allowed water to enter a connecting tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse area.

The incident occurred while construction crews were excavating the second bench of the connecting tunnel. The collapse caused water from the Intake Pit to surge into the tunnel and nearby powerhouse work area.

Construction activities stopped immediately as teams began controlling the situation.

Workers Evacuated Safely

All workers at the site were evacuated promptly following the incident.

Authorities confirmed that no one was injured or killed.

Water accumulated in the Intake Pit has since been completely drained, while dewatering work has started at the powerhouse. Officials also confirmed that no further water is entering the downstream work areas.

WAPDA Says Key Structures Remain Intact

WAPDA officials said the main tunnel, under-construction powerhouse, tailrace culvert and switchyard sustained no damage.

Saudi and Pakistani Investors Sign MoU to Launch Saudi–Pak Private Equity Fund

The authority also rejected earlier reports suggesting that the main tunnel had collapsed, clarifying that the incident involved the connecting tunnel excavation area.

Senior WAPDA officers, the project engineer and the contractor are currently assessing ground conditions. They are also reviewing the remedial measures required before construction can resume.

Tarbela 5th Extension to Add 1,530 MW

The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is designed to add 1,530 megawatts (MW) of electricity through three generating units, each with a capacity of 510 MW.

Once completed, the project will increase Tarbela Dam’s installed generation capacity from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW.

The additional capacity is expected to provide more low-cost hydropower to Pakistan’s national grid.

Project teams are expected to complete their assessment and determine the steps required to restart excavation and civil works.