FCC

Centre to Fast-Track Four Hydro Projects in Kishtwar

2025-05-13

The Government of India is set to fast-track the construction of four major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district—Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru, and Kwar. These are being developed on the Chenab river and its tributaries, with Pakal Dul standing out as the state’s first water storage hydro project.

The Pakal Dul project will have a capacity of one thousand megawatts and a live storage of nearly one hundred nine million cubic metres, significantly higher than the thirty million cubic metres at the existing Baglihar dam. Kiru, Ratle, and Kwar will offer limited storage with capacities of 10.5, 24, and 9.2 million cubic metres respectively.

Following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of Power has pushed for rapid progress. The Central Electricity Authority estimates Pakal Dul and Kiru will be completed by September twenty twenty-six, Kwar by December twenty twenty-seven, and Ratle by November twenty twenty-eight.

All four projects are being implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and its joint ventures. Once operational, these will significantly enhance India’s strategic and renewable energy capacity in the region.

Source:The Indian Express