LAHORE The total generation capacity of Tarbela hydroelectric power stations would rise to 4,828 megawatt after the installation of 1,350 MW units as part of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project, Wapda Chairman Shakil Durrani said on Monday. He termed the project, which is expected to be completed by September 2011, a significant development. The chairman also said that the consultants, engaged for preparation of detailed engineering design, tender documents and project cost (PC)-I, had established in their findings that three turbines of 450 MW each could be installed instead of two turbines of 480-MW each, as envisaged in a study conducted earlier in 90s. He said that the independent panel of international experts had also endorsed these findings. This is a good omen in view of the increasing requirements of electricity in the country, he added. Earlier, the chairman visited Tunnel No 4 and proposed site of the powerhouse for the project. He also visited Tarbela Power House to witness Unit No 4, which has recently been rehabilitated by the Water and Power Development Authority. The rehabilitation was funded by the United States Agency for International Development. He appreciated the officials concerned for completing the rehabilitation work within the stipulated period. Wapda has said that the project is a part of its least-cost energy generation plan on priority to harness indigenous hydropower resources of the country with a view to improving the ratio of hydroelectricity in the National Grid. Most importantly, the project will also provide a cushion to undertake rehabilitation and up-gradation of the existing Tarbela Power House during the period. After its completion, the mega project will be available for initiating construction work, completion of which has been planned in a short-span of four years. On the occasion, the project general manager, project director among others were also present.