The BIM Conference in Nepal 2024: Digital Way of Working in Hydropower Projects, jointly organized by the Nepal BIM Forum (NBIMF) and the Nepal Hydropower Association (NHA), with support from the World Bank, was a landmark event aimed at revolutionizing the Hydropower Industry of Nepal through digital intervention. The conference centered around the theme of improving the efficiency of the hydropower sector during the construction process through digital workflows. It gathered various senior representatives from government organizations, contractors, consulting firms, architects, engineers, and designers.
The event witnessed the significant participation of 135 engineers, developers, consultants, and representatives from various construction-related organizations. The first session covered BIM technology, implementation strategies, and potential in hydropower construction. Five presentations highlighted BIM applications in these sectors. The second session, attended by over 60 participants, focused on case studies and practical demonstrations of BIM uses in real-world projects. Real-world case studies demonstrated the tangible benefits of BIM implementation across various construction projects, showcasing better project coordination, improved decision-making processes, and enhanced overall outcomes.
The welcome speech was delivered by the General Secretary of NHA Nirmala Lama. The sessions included speakers, Mr. Pravin Karki, Global Hydro Power Lead at World Bank, BIM Manager Sven Oettinghaus, of Tractebel, BIM expert Sunil Suwal, and Mr. Mahesh Karki founder and co-founder of NBIMF, Surendra P.S. Chaudhary, Construction Deputy Chief at Upper Arun Hydro-Electric Limited (UAHEL), Mr. Birendra Raj Pandey, Vice president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI Nepal), Mr. Suman Sharma, GIS Expert and Mr. Sudhir Thapa, Secretary at NBIMF. The speakers shared their insights and experiences on integrating BIM into construction practices, emphasizing its benefits in enhancing project efficiency, reducing costs, and improving collaboration. Closing remarks of the first session were made by Mr. Sankalp Pokhrel, Chairman of NBIMF.
The second session was followed by an interactive workshop allowing participants to delve deeper into BIM software tools, methodologies, and best practices. These hands-on sessions, organized by Sunil Suwal and Sven Oettinghaus, facilitated knowledge exchange and helped attendees gain skills relevant to their professional domains. The workshop also showcased advanced visualization technologies such as Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality HoloLens. The volunteers from NBIMF and NHA Kabita Ghimire, Pratikshya Khanal, and others facilitate the training sessions.
The workshop highlighted BIM technology's potential to address cost overruns, construction delays, design errors, and risk management in Nepal's construction sector, especially in hydropower projects. Building on the success of Nepal's first BIM conference, which was held five years ago, this event reinforced the country's commitment to advancing digital construction practices. As Nepal continues to adopt and integrate these advanced technologies, the construction sector is poised for significant growth and innovation, paving the way for a more efficient, effective, and sustainable built environment.
We extend our gratitude to all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions to making the BIM Conference 2024 a resounding success. Special thanks to The World Bank for their sponsorship, which made this event possible.