Chenab water diverted, Ratle HEP shifts gears

New Delhi, Jan 29: A major milestone was achieved at the 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu and Kashmir with the diversion of Chenab River through diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in Kishtwar district on Saturday, officials said Monday.

The river diversion is a critical step that enables the isolation of the dam area at the riverbed, paving the way for the commencement of crucial activities such as excavation and dam construction.

This development is expected to accelerate project construction, minimising delays and supporting the efforts to meet the scheduled commissioning date of May 2026. Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a Joint Venture of NHPC Limited and the J&K government with a shareholding ratio of 51:49 is overseeing the Ratle Project.

This hydroelectric project, situated on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley, boasts an installed capacity of 850 MW.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs sanctioned the project in January 2021, allocating a total cost of Rs 5281.94 crore.

The Centre is supporting J&K with a grant of Rs 776.44 crore for Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL)’s equity contribution.

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will invest Rs 808.14 crore from its internal resources.

The Ratle Hydro Electric Project is expected to be commissioned in May 2026 contributing to grid balancing and improving the power supply position.

To enhance the project’s viability, the J&K government will provide exemptions from water usage charges for 10 years post-commissioning.

Additionally, there will be reimbursement of the State’s share of GST and a gradual waiver of free power to J&K, starting at 1 percent in the 1st year after commissioning and increasing by 1 percent per year to reach 12 percent in the 12th year.

The implementation of the Ratle Hydro Electric Project is poised to create direct and indirect employment for around 4000 persons, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of J&K.

Furthermore, J&K stands to benefit from free power worth Rs 5289 crore and water usage charges amounting to Rs 9581 crore over the project’s 40-year life cycle.