Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, on the second day of his official visit to Bhutan, inspected the Punatsangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project sites, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries.
At the Punatsangchhu-I project site, the minister attended the ceremony marking the “pour of concrete of the dam,” a major milestone in the development of the project. The project is the largest joint hydropower venture between India and Bhutan and is expected to significantly enhance Bhutan’s hydropower capacity upon completion.
During his visit, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations in the energy sector. He highlighted India’s continued support through “financial assistance and technical collaboration” and commended the coordinated efforts of engineers and experts from both countries in progressing the project “safely and efficiently.” He also inspected the powerhouse and reviewed updates on implementation progress and key milestones achieved.
Review of Operational Performance at Punatsangchhu-II
The minister also visited the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project, which was jointly inaugurated on November 11, 2025, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Since its commissioning, the project has emerged as a significant contributor to Bhutan’s energy sector.
During the visit, Shri Manohar Lal reviewed the operational performance of the project, noting that it has already “generated substantial electricity and revenue” while facilitating exports of clean power to India. He appreciated the project’s “successful execution and operational efficiency” and acknowledged its contribution to Bhutan’s economic growth.
The minister said again that India is committed to helping Bhutan develop its sustainable energy resources. He stressed how important these kinds of projects are for building ties between the two countries and promoting clean energy.
Cultural Visit Scheduled
Shri Manohar Lal’s itinerary also includes a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, an important site that shows off Bhutan’s rich history and culture.
The visit reinforces the shared vision of India and Bhutan in advancing clean energy initiatives while fostering long-term economic and strategic cooperation.
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