J&K’s 15 power projects of 7,768 MW at different stages of execution

Srinagar, Nov 5: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing one of its largest hydropower expansions in recent decades, with 15 new projects of a cumulative capacity of 7,768 megawatts at different stages of construction, award, and planning.

The initiative, aimed at harnessing the Union Territory’s vast hydroelectric potential, involves an extensive collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and joint venture companies formed between the two entities.

As per the official information, the Power Development Department’s records show that Jammu and Kashmir currently total generation capacity of 3,540.15 megawatts of hydropower through projects operational in the Union Territory sector, the central sector, and the private sector. The UT sector contributes 1,197.4 megawatts, the central sector—run primarily by NHPC—produces 2,250 megawatts, while private developers add 92.75 megawatts to the grid.

The operational projects include some of the region’s most significant installations, such as Baglihar-I and II with a combined capacity of 900 megawatts, Lower Jhelum at 105 megawatts, Upper Sindh-I and II with 210 megawatts together, and a number of smaller undertakings like Chenani, Pahalgam, Bhaderwah, and Karnah.

Among the central sector projects, NHPC’s Salal, Uri-I and II, Dulhasti, Kishanganga, and Sewa-II account for a substantial portion of the generation, while independent producers contribute through smaller units at Ranjala Dunadi, Athwatoo, Tangmarg, Brenwar, and Baltikulan.

To accelerate capacity addition, JKSPDC has partnered with NHPC through two key joint venture companies—Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPL) and Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL)—alongside independent producers.

Officials describe this as a comprehensive effort to unlock Jammu and Kashmir’s remaining hydropower potential and reduce its long-standing dependence on power imports.

Six major projects with a combined capacity of 3,063.5 megawatts are presently under construction. These include the 1,000 megawatt Pakal Dul project, 624 megawatt Kiru, 540 megawatt Kwar, 850 megawatt Rattle, 37.5 megawatt Parnai, and 12 megawatt Karnah project. All are progressing at different paces, with the larger schemes expected to be commissioned between 2026 and 2029. Two more projects—the 93 megawatt New Ganderbal and 48 megawatt Lower Kalnai—are at the award stage and are scheduled to be completed within four years of final approvals.

Another seven projects aggregating 4,563.5 megawatts are currently under preparation or awaiting statutory and environmental clearances. These include the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project with an installed capacity of 1,856 megawatts, Kirthai-II (930 MW), Dulhasti-II (258 MW), Uri-II Phase-II (240 MW), Kirthai-I (390 MW), Burser (800 MW), and the Ujh Multipurpose Project (89.5 MW). The Sawalkote project, being executed by NHPC, has received investment clearance of over ₹973 crore for pre-construction works, while environmental clearance has also been secured. Kirthai-II and Dulhasti-II are undergoing final evaluations by the Central Electricity Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

With several large projects moving simultaneously through different stages of development, Jammu and Kashmir is positioning itself to become a significant producer of renewable energy in northern India. The expansion is expected to not only meet the Union Territory’s own power demand but also enable it to export surplus electricity in the coming decade.