Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal concluded a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on critical hydropower projects that are integral to the region’s energy infrastructure. The visit included project inspections, review meetings, and interactions with project officials, contractors, and local residents to ensure timely execution and operational efficiency.
Day 1: Review of Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle Projects
On January 4, 2026, Shri Manohar Lal reviewed the progress of the Salal, Sawalkot, and Ratle hydropower projects. These projects are part of Jammu & Kashmir’s hydroelectric expansion program and are expected to contribute significantly to both regional and national electricity requirements upon completion.
Later in the day, the Minister visited NHPC’s Dulhasti Power Station in Kishtwar, where he was received by:
- Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects), NHPC
- Shri Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPP)
- Senior officials from NHPC and CVPP
The visit provided a platform for direct engagement with project authorities and an on-ground assessment of ongoing construction and operational activities.
Day 2: Inspection of CVPP Projects and Review Meeting
On the second day, Shri Manohar Lal inspected all three CVPP hydropower projects:
- Pakal Dul – 1,000 MW
- Kiru – 624 MW
- Kwar – 540 MW
He chaired a comprehensive review meeting attended by project heads, contractors, and the CMD of NHPC, who presented detailed briefings covering project progress, technical aspects, and challenges in execution.
Following the evaluation, the Minister issued clear timelines for project completion:
- Pakal Dul and Kiru: Commissioning by December 2026
- Kwar: Commissioning by March 2028
These directives aim to accelerate capacity addition and strengthen power availability in the region, ensuring both regional stability and national energy security.
Engagement with Workforce and Local Communities
Shri Manohar Lal also interacted with local residents and project workers, addressing their concerns and acknowledging the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions faced during construction. He appreciated the dedication of engineers, officials, and laborers and encouraged them to maintain momentum for timely project completion.
Future Outlook:
- Accelerated commissioning of these hydropower projects will enhance electricity availability in J&K.
- Projects are expected to boost renewable energy capacity in northern India.
- Successful execution will serve as a model for large-scale hydropower development under challenging geographic conditions.
This visit reinforces the government’s commitment to timely execution, operational excellence, and community engagement in critical infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
