ISLAMABAD: The financial requirements for two key hydropower initiatives, the Mohmand and Dasu dams, have escalated dramatically, with updated estimates revealing multi-trillion-rupee increases. These figures were disclosed during a National Assembly session on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Water Resources informed legislators that the combined cost overruns for these projects now total approximately Rs1.607 trillion. Notably, the Mohmand Dam’s estimated expenditure has more than doubled, rising from Rs309.55 billion in the approved PC-I to Rs665.74 billion in the revised estimate. This marks an increase of about Rs356.18 billion. The revised PC-I for Mohmand Dam is currently awaiting approval from the Planning Ministry.
Additionally, funds earmarked for local community development under this project have been substantially increased, climbing from Rs160 million to Rs4.5 billion. This adjustment reflects a significant boost in support for the affected populations.
Meanwhile, the Dasu Hydropower Project has experienced an even more pronounced revision. Its original estimated cost of Rs486.093 billion has surged to Rs1.737 trillion the revised PC-I, which received approval from the National Economic Council in December 2025. The cost escalation for Dasu stands at roughly Rs1.251 trillion.
Allocations for local population development in the Dasu project have also been markedly raised, from Rs7 billion to Rs57 billion under the updated plan. Officials explained that these revisions stem from updated planning needs and modifications in implementation strategies for these large-scale infrastructure projects.
This briefing was part of the National Assembly’s ongoing review of infrastructure expenditures and budget revisions concerning major public sector developments.
