Kaptai Power Station Needs Repairs, but at What Cost?

There is little doubt that the two ageing units of the Karnafuli Hydropower Station in Kaptai, Rangamati, need urgent repairs. But does that justify spending nearly Tk870 crore on their rehabilitation? Many find the proposed expenditure deeply concerning, particularly when the original manufacturer, Toshiba, offered to carry out the work for a fraction of the current estimate in 2018. The cost has increased nearly sixfold in eight years. According to a recent report published in this newspaper, the Planning Commission has also questioned the proposed expenditure. We believe the authorities must explain this sharp increase before spending such a large amount of public money.

The reasons behind the proposed rehabilitation are clear. The two units, each with an installed capacity of 50MW, began operating in 1988. At present, they generate only 35�"40MW each, leaving a combined shortfall of 20�"30MW. A BPDB feasibility study points to cracks in the rotor-rim supporting structures, excessive turbine vibration and years of wear and tear. Although the units last underwent rehabilitation in 2010�"11, manufacturers recommend major overhauls every eight to 10 years. Why, then, did the authorities wait so long to arrange the necessary work? Moreover, Toshiba offered to complete the rehabilitation for $11.92 million in 2018, while the current estimate stands at $71.13 million. Several attempts to invite tenders between 2018 and 2022 also failed. But reasons not made public. These developments raise serious questions about tender process, maintenance and procurement.

The consequences of this delay extend beyond the loss of generation capacity. If the authorities postpone repairs any further, the units could suffer major mechanical failures, making rehabilitation even more expensive. Meanwhile, the proposed Tk869.97 crore investment, financed largely through government funds and project loans, raises concerns about the use of public resources. This case also demonstrates how neglecting routine maintenance can turn manageable repairs into costly rehabilitation projects, leaving taxpayers to bear the burden. Will the authorities identify persons whose negligence or failure lead to such national loss and take action?

Against this backdrop, the BPDB must explain why the authorities missed the recommended maintenance schedule and why earlier tender attempts failed. Before approving the project, the government should commission an independent technical assessment to verify the extent of the damage and examine the estimated costs. It should also ensure transparent international bidding to secure competitive prices. Furthermore, every major power station needs regular inspections, timely repairs, adequate funding and proper supervision. Those responsible must also be held accountable for avoidable delays and maintenance failures.

We agree that the Kaptai power station needs rehabilitation. Even so, the urgency of the work should not prevent proper scrutiny of its cost. We expect the Planning Commission and the BPDB to examine every major expense and ensure that the proper investment restores the units’ generation capacity and extends their operational life by the promised 20 years. More importantly, the authorities must learn from this experience. Building new infrastructure matters, but maintaining existing facilities matters just as much. Bangladesh needs a corruption-free and efficient power sector that plans ahead, maintains its equipment properly and spends public money responsibly and transparently.