NHPC executing 4 power projects of Rs 27,945 crore to boost J&K’s capacity by 3014 MW: Centre

Srinagar, Dec 12: Jammu and Kashmir’s next power surge is taking shape in the Chenab Valley’s rugged gorges.

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited is driving four big hydro projects worth Rs 27,945 crore to add 3014 MW and cut J&K’s long-standing power woes, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha.

It said that NHPC Limited, in partnership with Ratle Hydro Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL), is executing four major hydropower projects in J&K with a combined capacity of 3014 MW and a total investment of Rs 27,945 crore.

The information was shared by the Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad.

The government said the projects, all located in the Chenab basin, are expected to substantially strengthen J&K’s power generation capabilities over the next few years.

According to the official reply, the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project, jointly implemented by NHPC and RHPCL, has an estimated cost of Rs 5282 crore and is scheduled for commissioning in November 2028.

The minister described Ratle as one of the flagship hydropower ventures in the region.

NHPC, through its joint venture CVPPL, is also executing three additional projects.

The 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project, with a cost estimate of Rs 12,728 crore, is targeted for completion in December 2026.

The 624 MW Kiru Project, costing Rs 5409 crore, is similarly expected to be commissioned in December 2026.

The 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project, with an investment of Rs 4526 crore, has a commissioning deadline of March 2028.

Officials said the timely execution of these projects will significantly improve electricity availability in J&K, reduce seasonal power deficits, support industrial growth, and contribute meaningfully to India’s long-term clean energy goals.

The ministry informed the House that NHPC and its joint venture or subsidiary companies have commissioned 23 hydropower projects till October 2025, with a cumulative installed capacity of 7771 MW.

These projects generated 29,894 million units of power in 2022-23, 26,056 million units in 2023-24, 25,194 million units in 2024-25, and 23,015 million units during April-October 2025.

The government said that eight hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 8514 MW are currently under construction by NHPC and its JV and subsidiary companies.

The minister said that NHPC offers employment opportunities to local residents, including Project Affected Families (PAFs), through contractors engaged in the projects.

He said that the corporation also provides bidding opportunities to local individuals to encourage entrepreneurship and support local economic activity.

For grievance redressal, the government highlighted the availability of the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), where complaints related to hydropower projects are examined and resolved in a time-bound manner.