Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project Launches Skill-Based Training For Project-Affected Locals
21st January 2026, Kathmandu
The Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, a 216 MW under-construction project in Rasuwa district, has officially launched a comprehensive skill-based training program.
Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project
Aimed at enhancing self-employment, job opportunities, and the overall livelihood of project-affected households, the initiative focuses on creating sustainable economic growth within the local community.
Empowering the Community through Vocational Training
In the first phase, the project has started training 40 members of project-affected families from villages, including Ramche and Kalikasthan in Rasuwa. The program is being implemented by the project developer, Nepal Water and Energy Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (NWEDC), in collaboration with Kalika Rural Municipality.
The training was formally inaugurated on Tuesday at the Ward No. 1 office. Based on local demand and feasibility assessments, the current cohort includes:
-
20 participants for Caregiver training.
-
20 participants for Hotel Management/Operation training.
Scaling Up for Wider Impact
This is just the beginning of a larger roadmap. NWEDC plans to extend these training programs to other wards within the project-affected rural municipalities. The ultimate goal is to provide vocational skills to approximately 370 Nepalese individuals from the impacted communities.
During the inauguration, Dawa Tamang, Chairman of Kalika Rural Municipality-1, praised the project for conducting demand-based training at the ward level, which ensures easy access for locals. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and translate their new skills into practical employment.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Sanghee Ma, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NWEDC, reiterated the company’s commitment to strengthening the socio-economic status of project-affected families.
“Under our Community Support Program and Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP), we have been continuously assisting in sectors like education, health, drinking water, road infrastructure, and cultural preservation,” said Ma.
He also noted that the company recently provided an ambulance to the affected rural municipality as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Advertisement
Aligning with Market Needs
The training modules have been meticulously designed based on:
-
Demand-based assessments were originally conducted in 2018.
-
Updated household surveys and Rapid Market Appraisals.
-
Local demand analysis to ensure the skills match current market requirements.
Future training sessions will include Masonry, Waiter/Waitress training, Bakery, Cooking, Tailoring, Beauty Parlor management, Housekeeping, and Early Childhood Development facilitation.
About Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project
The Upper Trishuli-1 is the largest hydropower project in Nepal, being built with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), led by Korean companies. The project structures, including the dam, are located in Amachodingmo Rural Municipality-1 (Haku area), while the underground powerhouse is situated in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-1.
Key Project Highlights:
Capacity: 216 MW
Current Progress: 74% physical completion.
Major Works: Underground powerhouse, main tunnel, and dam construction are moving at a rapid pace.
Target Completion: By Mangsir 2083 (late 2026).
Energy Use: The electricity generated will be used for domestic consumption within Nepal.
For more: Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project
