Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 6: J&K is witnessing a steady expansion in its hydropower sector, with a series of projects under construction and planning expected to triple its current power generation capacity over the next decade.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
According to official figures, the Union Territory’s total operational hydropower capacity stands at 3,540.15 megawatts (MW), while projects under construction, at the award stage, and in the planning phase represent an additional 7,768 MW of potential to be harnessed.
Combined, this will take J&K’s total generation potential to over 11,000 MW, significantly reducing dependence on imported power and supporting its goal of reaching close to becoming self-reliant in electricity generation.
As per the figures, the current generation is led by the central sector, mainly through NHPC projects such as Salal, Uri-I, and Dulhasti, contributing 2,250 MW.
The UT sector, managed by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), adds 1,197.4 MW, largely from the two stages of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project (900 MW).
The private sector contributes a smaller share of 92.75 MW, primarily through small hydropower projects.
The data showed that while NHPC continues to dominate production, UT’s share has expanded substantially in recent years.
The private sector, though still small, is gradually diversifying local energy generation through mini and micro projects.
A total of 3,063.5 MW is currently under construction, according to official figures, with major projects being executed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL).
These include the Pakaldul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), and Kwar (540 MW) hydropower projects, along with the Rattle (850 MW) project.
The details suggested that the Pakaldul and Kiru plants have achieved over 68 percent physical progress and are expected to be commissioned by December 2026.
“This phase is crucial for J&K’s energy journey, as more than half of the ongoing capacity is scheduled for completion within the next two years,” officials said.
Among projects in the pipeline, two more – New Ganderbal (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) – are at the award stage and expected to begin construction soon.
Together, as per the figures, they will add 141 MW to the grid within the next four years.
The planned projects, totaling 4,563.5 MW, include some of the largest hydropower developments in J&K’s history.
The Sawalkote Project (1,856 MW), being developed by NHPC, has already secured environmental clearance and pre-construction funding.
Other major projects include Kirthai-II (930 MW) and Bursar (800 MW), both located in the Chenab basin.
Additionally, the Ujh Multipurpose Project (89.5 MW) has been granted National Project status, ensuring faster clearances and central funding support.
Officials said the expansion aligns with J&K’s long-term energy strategy to achieve self-sufficiency while fostering growth.
Experts believed that the phased rollout – with short-term projects due by 2026, medium-term by 2028, and large-scale projects beyond 2030 – will stabilize J&K’s power supply and address the growing demand locally.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
