India has commenced work on the Salma dam in the western Afghanistan province of Herat.

India’s Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited (WAPCOS) is building the 42MW project. Work will include the construction of a 107.5m earth and rock fill dam on the Hari Rud river, along with a power house comprising three 14MW units on the river’s right bank. A 14km transmission line will be built to connect the power house to the national grid.

WAPCOS has completed an updated feasibility assessment of the Salma project, which is scheduled to be complete in four years.