J&K’s power push: 7,768 MW projects underway; focus on energy security, local empowerment

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting to review and strategise the accelerated development of hydropower projects across various rivers in Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting, it was informed that J&K possesses an estimated hydropower potential of approximately 18,000 MW. The Chief Secretary unequivocally remarked, “Hydropower is the mainstay of the UT economy; therefore, our collective endeavor shall be to enhance the generation capacity by completing all projects within the set timeline.”

He highlighted the critical role of hydropower in ensuring energy security, driving industrial growth and creating employment opportunities within J&K. He stressed the imperative of strictly adhering to deadlines to bring these vital projects to fruition expeditiously.

A key focus of the discussions revolved around holistic rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) plans for communities impacted by new projects. The Chief Secretary emphasised a forward-looking approach, asserting that R&R plans for newly constructed projects should include market-driven skills to be imparted to the local youth there. The aim, he stated, should be to equip the local populace with relevant skills, enabling them to integrate seamlessly into the evolving economic landscape and benefit directly from the development initiatives.

Furthermore, Dulloo underscored the paramount importance of addressing community needs through the Local Area Development component. He urged officials to prioritise developmental works as raised by the locals, ensuring that the benefits of these large-scale projects directly translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people residing in the project vicinity.

The meeting highlighted the ambitious plans and ongoing efforts to harness J&K’s vast hydropower potential, which is crucial for the region’s energy security and economic growth.

In his presentation, Principal Secretary, PDD, Rajesh Prasad, stated that J&K possesses an estimated hydropower potential of approximately 18,000 MW, with around 15,000 MW already identified. Currently, 3540.15 MW has been harnessed, comprising 1197.4 MW from the UT sector, 2250 MW from the Central sector (NHPC Ltd.), and 92.75 MW from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

He further explained that the UT has embarked on an ambitious path to expeditiously develop the remaining hydropower potential, informing that 15 projects, aggregating a massive 7768 MW, are at various stages of implementation. This includes 3063.5 MW worth of projects under construction, with 49.5 MW in the UT sector and 3014 MW in the Joint Venture.

The projects that had been tendered out or are at the award stage cumulatively make up 641 MW, including 141 MW in the UT sector and 500 MW in the Central sector, the meeting was apprised. Additionally, projects at an advanced stage of investigation/appraisal/DPR (Detailed Project Report) stage and ready to be tendered out include 4063.5 MW, comprising 390 MW in the UT sector, 2743.5 MW in the Central sector (NHPC), and 930 MW in the JV sector.

The status of major projects under the UT sector that were assessed included Parnai HEP (37.5 MW), which has a physical progress of 64% (as of June 15, 2025) and is anticipated to be commissioned by December 2027. Karnah HEP (12 MW) was said to show a physical progress of 74.75% (as of May 30, 2025) and is expected to be commissioned by November 2025.

Similarly, Pakaldul HEP (1000 MW), under the JV Sector (CVPPL), was reported to have achieved 70% physical progress (as of June 30, 2025). It is anticipated to be completed by December 2026. Regarding Kiru HEP (624 MW), also under the JV Sector (CVPPL), the meeting was apprised that it has shown 64% physical progress (as of June 30, 2025); this project is expected to be commissioned by December 2026. In the same vein, Kwar HEP (540 MW) was said to have achieved progress of 22.15% (as of June 30, 2025), therefore anticipated for commissioning by March 2028.

The mega Ratle HEP (850 MW), also taken up under the JV Sector (RHPCL), has achieved significant excavation progress, including 81% for the powerhouse and transformer cavern, 100% for dam abutment, and 95% for TRT. It is anticipated to be commissioned by August 2029, the meeting was informed.

Tendered projects include New Ganderbal (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW). The upcoming projects which are in the pipeline include Sawalkote (1856 MW, NHPC), Kirthai-II (930 MW, CVPPL), Dulhasti-II (260 MW, NHPC), Uri-I Stage-II (240 MW, NHPC), Kirthai-I (390 MW, JKSPDC), Bursar Storage (800 MW, NHPC), and Ujh Multipurpose (89.5 MW).

It was also given out that JKSPDC is venturing into solar energy, with plans to develop a 10 MW grid-connected Agro-Solar Power Project at Pampore in phases. A 5 MW plant is in progress. DPRs are also prepared for floating solar projects at Lower Jehlum HEP (4.2 MW) and Baglihar reservoir (2.1 MW).

The Chief Secretary assured full support to expedite clearances, resolve all bottlenecks and ensure the timely completion of these vital projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming J&K into a power-surplus region.

Project Status and Capacity Breakdown

Total Projects Underway: 15 projects, totaling 7,768 MW, are in various stages

Under Construction: 3,063.5 MW are currently under construction (49.5 MW in UT sector, 3,014 MW in JV)

Tendered/Award Stage: 641 MW are tendered or at the award stage (141 MW in UT sector, 500 MW in Central sector)

Advanced Investigation/DPR Stage: 4,063.5 MW are at advanced stages and ready to be tendered (390 MW in UT sector, 2,743.5 MW in Central sector/NHPC, 930 MW in JV )

Solar Project: The JKSPDC is also venturing into solar energy, with plans for a 10 MW grid-connected Agro-Solar Power Project at Pampore (5 MW currently in progress)

J & K