Century-old Mohra power project stalled due to funding constraints: Government
Srinagar, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that work on the long-pending Mohra Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uri remains stalled due to viability and funding constraints, with no grants provided by the Centre despite repeated requests.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Dr Sajjad Shafi, the Power Ministry, which is headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stated: “The 10.5 MW Mohra Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir, originally approved under the PMDP-15 package with a cost of Rs. 112.91 crore (at 2018 prices), was stalled due to viability concerns. Despite J&K’s repeated requests to MNRE for up to 60% central financial assistance, no grants were provided. A feasibility study by IIT Roorkee, commissioned by MNRE in 2022, was submitted in November 2024 with a revised cost of Rs. 135.02 crore (at 2022 prices) and recommended funding to the Project. However, no funds were received by GoJK/JKSPDC from MNRE, GoI.”
The government said that based on subsequent directions, the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has now initiated the process to revive the Mohra project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
“Based on the directions from GoJK, JKSPDC, in collaboration with the Planning Development & Monitoring Department, J&K, through CTAG, has initiated the process for carrying out renovation, modernisation & O&M of Mohra SHEP, for a period of 20 years through Public-Private partnership mode. JKSPDC has engaged the services of IIT-Roorkee for updating DPR and valuation of project assets, which is under preparation and is expected to be received by IIT-Roorkee during November 2025, which shall facilitate engagement of the Transaction advisor for execution of the project through PPP mode, subject to approval of the competent authority.”
Officials said the Mohra hydro project, once a vital power source for north Kashmir, has suffered years of delay due to financial hurdles. The project, built more than a century ago, was among the earliest hydro stations in the region but was rendered inoperative after repeated damage and outdated infrastructure.
The government’s reply also clarified that under the new approach, the project “has been planned to be executed through PPP mode after Board approval.”
The Mohra Power Project is a historic hydroelectric plant situated along the Jhelum River in Mohra village, Baramulla district, North Kashmir. Commissioned in 1902 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh with the technical support of British engineer Major Dlain de Latbiniere, it stands among the oldest hydroelectric plants in South Asia, initially generating 3.75 megawatts of electricity.
The project played a vital role in Kashmir’s technological advancement by powering dredgers in Sopore, which reclaimed 60,000 acres of flood-affected land, and supporting the prominent silk factory in Srinagar.
The generators and water wheels were imported from top companies like General Electric (New York) and Abner Doble (San Francisco), underscoring the international collaboration in the project’s construction.
Over time, the Mohra Power Project reached a peak generation capacity of 9 MW in 1962 but suffered repeated flood damage in 1959 and 1992, leading to reduced operational capacity and eventual closure. After the devastating 1992 floods, attempts to revive the facility stalled, and for over three decades, the plant has remained defunct. Its landmark wooden canal—once an engineering marvel—has deteriorated, filling with mud and silt, and parts have been damaged by fire.
