Shongtong-Karchham hydro project to be commissioned by March-April '27: Himachal CM Sukhu

Shimla, Jul 13 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday directed to expedite the construction of the 450 MW Shongtong-Karchham hydroelectric project on the Satluj river in Kinnaur district to ensure its commissioning by March-April 2027. Chairing a review meeting of the energy department, Sukhu said that nearly 80 per cent of the powerhouse construction work had been completed. The construction of the barrage would continue during the monsoon season, as the Satluj river flow would be diverted through bays 4 and 5, while work on diversion bays 1, 2 and 3 would also progress simultaneously, an official statement said. Sukhu said the project would significantly enhance the state's power generation capacity, improve energy self-reliance and contribute to environmentally sustainable growth. Despite several technical and geographical challenges, the state government ensured proactive intervention through continuous monitoring and improved project planning, Sukhu said, according to the statement. Site-specific technical measures were being implemented regularly to maintain construction momentum, enabling the project to achieve more than 80 per cent overall completion, Sukhu said. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate 1,579 million units of electricity annually, substantially strengthening the state's energy portfolio and enhancing grid stability, the statement said. It is also projected to contribute nearly Rs 900 crore annually to the state economy, it added. PTI BPL ARI