Rock Collapse Triggers Emergency at Tarbela Dam Extension Project
Excavation incident at the T-5 hydropower site forces emergency evacuation and halts construction.
1Emergency Site Evacuation
A rock mass collapsed during excavation of the 2nd Bench Connecting Tunnel at the Tarbela Dam 5th Extension Project. This failure allowed water from the Intake Pit to surge into the under-construction power house and tunnel areas. Authorities immediately declared an emergency, suspending all construction work and evacuating the entire workforce.
2Casualty and Safety Status
Wapda confirmed no loss of life occurred during the incident. While initial reports mentioned a worker being swept away, officials stated all personnel were safely evacuated. The authority explicitly denied rumors regarding the collapse of the main tunnel, power house, tailrace culvert, or switchyard, maintaining that these critical structures remain intact.
3Dewatering and Damage Assessment
Dewatering operations at the power house commenced immediately after the surge. Senior Wapda officers, project engineers, and contractors are currently evaluating the site to determine if the tunnel and power house sustained structural damage. Officials are working to address technical challenges to ensure the integrity of the ongoing construction site.
4Downstream Safety Measures
District authorities confirmed no immediate threat of flooding for downstream areas. However, Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan announced that unavoidable water releases from the dam will increase flow levels in the Indus River. Citizens have been strictly advised to avoid swimming, bathing, or boating in the river to prevent potential accidents.
5Project Financial Context
The 1,530MW T-5 project faces significant financial strain, with costs escalating from Rs82 billion to Rs317 billion. This represents a 285 percent increase in total expenditure. International funding includes $390 million from the World Bank and $300 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, supporting the expansion of Tarbela's total capacity.
6History of Structural Issues
A government inquiry previously held the contractor, consultant, and Wapda responsible for a prior cofferdam collapse at the same site. That incident was attributed to unauthorized post-contract design changes. These recurring technical difficulties have contributed to a two-year delay, pushing the expected completion date from 2026 to June 2028.
7Strategic Capacity Goals
The T-5 extension is designed to increase Tarbela’s total installed capacity from 4,888MW to 6,418MW. By adding 1,530MW to the national grid, the project remains a cornerstone of Pakistan's energy infrastructure strategy. Despite current setbacks, the project aims to bolster long-term power generation capabilities through these major civil engineering works.
8Future Operational Outlook
The immediate focus remains on site stabilization and damage verification following the rock collapse. Future progress depends on the assessment of the tunnel and power house integrity. Stakeholders must now navigate both the physical recovery of the construction site and the ongoing scrutiny regarding project management and historical design compliance.
Original article: Dawn — Rock Collapse Triggers Emergency at Tarbela Dam Extension Project