The purpose of the dam is irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power production and recreation.

Due to poor construction and neglect, the dam and its 249 MW power station have undergone several repairs over the years.

Between 1983 and 1985 the dam's power station was replaced by German (Polensky & Zöllner) and Japanese companies (Mitsui).

[4] In 2007, the World Bank began a US$35.36 million project to repair the Darbandikhan and Dokan Dams.

Repairs to the Darbandikhan Dam cost $18.85 million and were completed in 2013 resulting in 100 percent power availability.

The structural volume of the dam including rock, clay and filters is 7,100,000 m3 (9,286,449 cu yd).

The dam collects water from a catchment area that covers 17,850 km2 (6,892 sq mi).