The 969-megawatt Neelum Jhelum Hydropower project is progressing timely as the civil works of the both the underground powerhouse and transformers hall are 95.5% and 99% complete, respectively, and are expected to finish in October this year.This was briefed to Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Zafar Mahmood during his weekly visit to the project site.The chairman visited the powerhouse, transformers hall, manifold area and switchyard of the project to review progress of construction work. Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project Chief Executive Officer Engineer Muhammad Zubair, Project Director Nayyar Alauddin and representatives of the consultants and contractors were present on the occasion.During the on-site briefing, the chairman was apprised that subsequent to the completion of civil works of unit No3 and 4 of the powerhouse, both units had already been handed over to the electro-mechanical contractor.It was further informed that civil works of the switchyard are substantially complete, while electrical and mechanical works will also be completed by October 2016. Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project Chief Executive Officer said that October 2016 is going to be an important month as the tunnel boring machine, deployed on the left tunnel will break through after completing the excavation work on the left tunnel. Overall progress on the project stands at 80%. The progress on C1 is 78%, on C2 is 80%, while on C3 is 83%. Out of total 68.6 kilometer, 62 kilometers long tunnels have so far been excavated.The Wapda chief expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far on the project. Appreciating devotion and hard work of the project authorities, he said that Wapda is confident of completing the project according to the revised schedule.Published in The Express Tribune, April 20, 2016.