MANGLA, Oct 13: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani attended a ceremony here on Thursday to mark the completion of the Rs100 billion Mangla Dam raising project aimed at significantly increasing country's water storage and electricity generation capacities.

He also inaugurated the Dhani Gali Bridge on River Jhelum, linking Punjab with Azad Kashmir. The bridge replaced the old narrow suspension structure.

After the project's completion, Mangla Dam will store 2.88 million acres feet (MAF) of additional water and generate 644Gwh more hydel power, with an estimated annual benefit of Rs18 billion.

Mr Gilani termed the Mangla Dam raising project vital for economic development and said it would go a long way in the progress of the country.—APP