450 MW Shongtong-Karchham Hydroelectric Project Likely to Be Commissioned by March-April 2027: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to expedite the construction of the 450 MW Shongtong-Karchham Hydroelectric Project on the Satluj River in Kinnaur district, with the target of commissioning the ambitious project by March-April 2027.
The Chief Minister issued the directions while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department in Shimla on Monday. Reviewing the progress of the project, he said that nearly 80 per cent of the powerhouse construction has already been completed, reflecting the government’s commitment to accelerating clean energy infrastructure in the state.
During the meeting, officials informed that construction of the barrage would continue throughout the ongoing monsoon season by diverting the flow of the Satluj River through bays 4 and 5, allowing uninterrupted work. Simultaneously, construction activities on diversion bays 1, 2 and 3 will also proceed to maintain the pace of execution.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the project, Chief Minister Sukhu said the state government is committed to strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s clean energy sector and promoting sustainable development. He stated that the Shongtong-Karchham project would significantly enhance the state’s electricity generation capacity, improve energy self-reliance, and contribute to environmentally sustainable growth.
The Chief Minister noted that despite several technical and geographical challenges associated with the project, the government has ensured timely interventions through continuous monitoring, effective planning, and site-specific engineering measures. These efforts, he said, have enabled the project to achieve more than 80 per cent overall completion, keeping it on track for its scheduled commissioning.
Once operational, the 450 MW hydroelectric project is expected to generate approximately 1,579 million units of electricity annually, substantially strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s power generation capacity and improving grid stability. The project is also projected to contribute nearly Rs.900 crore annually to the state’s economy, providing a significant boost to revenue generation while supporting the state’s renewable energy ambitions.
The review meeting was attended by Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazeem, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Managing Director of HP Power Corporation Limited Abid Hussain Sadiq, along with other senior government officials.
