The projected expense for the Mohmand Dam in Pakistan has risen to Rs. 666 billion, reflecting roughly a 115% increase over the last eight years.
Federal authorities attribute most of the steep rise to the weakening of the Pakistani rupee since 2018, which has pushed up prices for many items and tasks tied to the large water-power scheme.
The new figure was examined by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), yet officials left the session without a definitive decision as time ran out, so the revision remains under review.
Construction continues despite the cost uncertainty, with about 57% of the dam reported as finished as of last month.
The dam is intended to boost national water storage, generate electricity and supply drinking water to Peshawar.
Its role is seen as vital for meeting regional water and energy needs; the storage element should aid water-resource management while the power output could add to the national grid.
The sharp cost increase has become a focal point as officials reassess the project's funding, and the CDWP's lack of a decision means the issue will be revisited.
With more than half the work already done, scrutiny stays on both construction progress and the government's stance on the revised budget, which will be set by the pending review.
