CM Sukhu Inaugurates Spiti’s First Battery-Backed Solar Power Project, Launches Projects Worth Rs. 116.28 Crore.
Kaza:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of development projects worth Rs. 116.28 crore in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, focusing on renewable energy, electricity infrastructure and road connectivity in remote border areas.
The Chief Minister inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first solar power project equipped with a battery storage facility at Rongtong in Kaza, Spiti Valley. Built at a cost of Rs. 4.42 crore, the 2 MW solar power plant has a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System and is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,600 metres.
The project is expected to generate around 36 lakh units of electricity annually. Construction began on May 30, 2023, and the plant was commissioned in December 2024. According to the project details, it generated 22,58,752 units of electricity during 2024-25, 2025-26 and up to September 30, 2026.
Sukhu said the project would strengthen electricity supply in Spiti Valley. He also announced that the Rongtong Hydel Power Project would be made fully operational, with Rs. 6 crore earmarked for the purpose.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for 66/22 kV substations at Sumdo in Kinnaur district and Kaza, with a combined estimated cost of Rs. 47.95 crore. The facilities are expected to improve voltage regulation, reduce technical losses and ensure more reliable electricity supply to surrounding areas, including strategically important border regions.
He also inaugurated the Chhidang-Tangti Khar Telling Road project in Pin Valley, constructed at a cost of Rs. 39.55 crore. The upgraded road is expected to improve all-weather connectivity, facilitate transportation of agricultural produce and essential goods, and support tourism and local livelihoods.
Additionally, Sukhu inaugurated the upgradation of the 12-kilometre Tanzit-Hikkim Road, completed at a cost of Rs. 24.36 crore. The improved road will enhance access to Hikkim village, known for its high-altitude post office, while making travel easier for residents and visitors.
The projects are expected to improve essential services, strengthen infrastructure and support the socio-economic development of communities living in the remote, high-altitude regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur.
On this occasion, CM was accompanied by MLA Anuradha Rana, District Congress president Dorje Larje and other.
