Chief Minister Sets November 2026 Deadline for Completion of Shongtong-Karcham Hydroelectric Project.
Project to Generate Annual Revenue of Rs. 1,000 Crore for Himachal Pradesh.
Kinnaur:
In a significant push towards strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s energy sector, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today directed officials to ensure the timely completion of the 450 MW Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project by November 2026. During a visit to the project site in Kinnaur district, the Chief Minister inspected the powerhouse at Karcham and the barrage site at Powari, reviewing the progress of the long-pending development work.
Speaking at the site, CM Sukhu emphasized the economic potential of the project, stating, “Upon completion, this project is expected to generate annual revenue of around Rs. 1,000 crore for the state.” He added that the project, under construction for the past 13 years, had seen slow progress until the present government accelerated its pace to ensure timely completion and commissioning.
The Chief Minister underlined his administration’s commitment to harnessing Himachal Pradesh’s river resources more effectively, with the dual aim of strengthening the state’s economy and ensuring energy self-sufficiency. “Our government is taking concrete steps to utilize our natural resources for sustainable development,” he said.
CM Sukhu also highlighted efforts to regain control over other key hydroelectric ventures, including the Dhaulasidh, Luhri, and Sunni power projects. “We are evaluating the total expenditure on these projects so far. Going forward, construction will proceed on terms favorable to Himachal Pradesh, safeguarding the state’s interests that were previously overlooked,” he asserted, taking a swipe at the former BJP-led administration.
In addition to hydro power, the Chief Minister revealed the government’s plans to diversify the state’s energy mix by investing in solar, green hydrogen, and even geo-thermal energy projects. He announced that a geo-thermal power project is being planned at Tapri in Kinnaur and emphasized that solar energy would be a key focus during the winter months, when electricity is currently being purchased at Rs. 5–Rs. 6 per unit from neighboring states.
“Despite being a power-surplus state, we are forced to buy electricity in winters. This must change,” he said, noting that solar projects with a combined capacity of 626 MW are currently under various stages of construction through the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
General Manager of HPPCL, Abid Hussain Sadiq, provided a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister on the construction progress and the technical aspects of the Shongtong-Karcham project.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi and senior officials from the district administration during the site visit.
With the government’s renewed focus and strong political will, the Shongtong-Karcham project is now set to play a transformative role in the state’s energy landscape and economic future.
