Nepal's hydroelectric potential has been estimated to be around 83,000 and 42,000 megawatts (MW) technically and economically feasible. The last ten years have seen a sharp increase in the output of hydroelectricity, which has been made possible in part by significant investment from the private sector and the efforts from Government of Nepal. Many hydroelectric projects experience cost inflation due to variations in construction duration. This research investigates the cost deviation scenario, impact of schedule time deviation on the construction cost, factors contributing time deviation and possible remedial measures to control time delay in hydroelectric project of Nepal, aiming to provide valuable insights for project management and planning. To study the current scenario of cost and schedule time deviation, seven hydroelectric projects from different part of Nepal were thoroughly studied. Questionnaire survey and Key Informant Interview was conducted with various personalities who have directly involved in the project planning, designing and executing phase. The qualitative data taken from experts have been converted to quantitative data with nine points Saaty’s rating scale. From AHP analysis, intensity of impact of schedule time deviation on project’s components have been calculated. Similarly, the weight of causes for schedule time deviation and its remedial measures was found. These results can be used to control schedule time deviation and associated cost for similar projects construction in future. From AHP analysis based on expert opinion, the impact of schedule time deviation on Interest During Construction (IDC), Civil, EM and HM construction cost of hydroelectric project have average weighted of 14.46 %, 13.43%, 12.58%, and 12.41% respectively. Poor performance of subcontractors and nominated suppliers and inaccurate estimation of the time duration for project’s activities have been ranked as the top most influencing factor with average weight of 22.71 % and 20.05% respectively. Further, organizing frequent coordination meetings with construction partners and calculating accurate initial time and cost estimates for construction activities ranked as top most effective remedial measures to control schedule time deviation with average weight of 12.03% and 11.68%. This study comes to the conclusion that scheduled time deviation has a significant impact on the Interest During Construction (IDC), Civil, EM, and HM construction costs of hydroelectric projects. Since these are the main factors influencing the overall project cost. It is crucial that the Civil, EM, and HM work of hydroelectric projects be completed on schedule in order to control overall project cost.

Keywords

Hydroelectricity, Time and Cost deviation, Detail Project Report, Feasibility Study Report, Interest During Construction, Construction Planning.

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