HYDROPOWER BOOST: Lower Subhansari begins power generation; Nod given for 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II on Chenab

Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the 2000 MW (8×250 MW) Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Subansiri Lower Project will greatly improve energy supply in the North-East and serve as a testament to India’s commitment to state-of-the-art, sustainable power systems.

Khattar stated that the commissioning of this unit is “not just a technical achievement, but a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.” He further emphasized that the Subansiri Project stands as a symbol of India’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy, supporting North-East India’s growth, strengthening the national grid and advancing India’s ambitious Net Zero goals.

Bhupender Gupta, CMD, NHPC, stated that the project will strengthen the national grid, support sustainable development in the North-East and provide reliable renewable energy to meet growing demand. Now the project is moving swiftly towards commissioning of 3 Units of 250 MW each shortly, followed by phased commissioning of the remaining four units during 2026-27.

As India’s largest hydropower project, the Subansiri Lower Project comprises 8 units of 250 MW each and is designed as a Run-of-the-River scheme with small pondage, diverting water through eight Head Race Tunnels (HRTs) to generate 7,422 million units (MU) of renewable electricity annually.

The project features the largest dam in North-East India, a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, which has generated strong socio-economic benefits for the region by engaging around 7,000 local people daily during its construction phase and creating numerous direct and indirect jobs through contractors, service providers and local markets.

Route Cleared for Dulhasti Hydropower Project

The Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has accorded clearance to the 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project in J&K’s Kishtwar district. The project is estimated to involve an investment of Rs 3,277 crore.

As per the approved plan, water will be diverted from the Stage-I power station through a dedicated headrace tunnel measuring about 3,685 metres in length and 8.5 metres in diameter. This tunnel will lead to the creation of a horseshoe-shaped pondage designed specifically to support power generation under the Stage-II project.

Dulhasti Stage-II is proposed as an extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I Hydroelectric Project, also known as the Dulhasti Power Station. The Stage-I project, developed and operated by NHPC Ltd, has been in successful operation since it was commissioned in 2007, providing a strong operational base for the proposed expansion.

The project configuration includes the construction of a surge shaft and a pressure shaft, along with an underground powerhouse. The powerhouse will house two turbine-generator units of 130 MW each, taking the total installed capacity of Dulhasti Stage-II to 260 MW. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly enhance hydropower generation capacity in the Chenab basin and contribute to strengthening the region’s renewable energy portfolio.