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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is aggressively pushing forward the long-delayed Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project to completion by November 2026. The 450 MW project is expected to generate substantial annual revenue of around Rs 1000 crore for the state. Sukhu highlighted the government's commitment to expediting stalled infrastructure projects and exploring diverse renewable energy options. The CM also emphasized the state's strategic pivot towards solar, green hydrogen, and hydroelectric power to enhance energy self-sufficiency.

Key Points: Sukhu Accelerates Shongtong-Karcham Hydel Project by 2026

  • Shongtong-Karcham project expected to generate Rs 1000 crore annual revenue
  • Project stalled for 13 years now fast-tracked
  • State moving towards renewable energy diversification
  • Targeting solar and green hydrogen power generation
2 min read

Himachal CM calls for completing Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project by Nov 2026

Himachal CM inspects critical 450 MW hydroelectric project, aims to boost state revenue and energy independence

"The state government will take forward hydropower projects on its own terms - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, June 9

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday visited the site of the Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project in Kinnaur district to inspect the ongoing developmental works.

He also inspected the power house site at Karcham and visited the barrage site Powari, of this project. He interacted with the engineers and workers of the project, a release said.

The Chief Minister directed to complete the 450 MW capacity hydroelectric project in a time bound manner by November, 2026.

He said that after the commissioning of this project, the state would earn annual revenue of about Rs. 1000 crore.

Sukhu said that this project was under construction for the last 13 years, but the present state government accelerated its construction it would be dedicated to the Nation in stipulated time period. He added that the present government was taking concrete steps to ensure proper exploitation of its river water, to strengthen the economy of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was working to take over the Dhaulasidh, Luhri and Sunni hydro power projects and the total amount spent on these projects so far was being evaluated. Henceforth, the state government would take forward the construction work of hydropower projects on its own terms so that the interests of the state could be protected, which were completely side-lined by the previous BJP government.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was also moving ahead towards setting up a geo-thermal power project at Tapri in Kinnaur district and making advancement in the field of electricity by producing solar and green hydrogen energy. He said that despite being a surplus energy state, we were purchasing electricity in winters i.e. from October to March at Rs 5 to Rs. 6 per unit as per neighbouring states. The solar energy production was being promoted as much as possible during this time period so that the government did not require to buy electricity.

He said that solar projects of about 626 MW capacity were at various stages of construction through HPPCL.

The General Manager of H.P. Power Corporation, Abid Hussain Sadiq, detailed the various ongoing construction works in the Shongtog-Karcham project.

Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, along with senior officers of the district administration, were present on this occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great initiative by CM Sukhu! Himachal has so much untapped hydro potential. This project will bring ₹1000 crore revenue annually - imagine what that can do for education and healthcare in the state. Hope they maintain ecological balance though. 🌿
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Priya M.
Why did it take 13 years to complete a single project? This shows how inefficient our systems are. Glad the current government is pushing for timely completion. But November 2026 seems too ambitious - hope they don't compromise on quality for deadlines.
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Arjun S.
Good to see focus on renewable energy! But I'm concerned about the environmental impact in Kinnaur - we've already seen how reckless development has caused landslides. Hope they conduct proper EIA and involve local communities in decision-making.
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Neha T.
Solar + hydro combo is brilliant for Himachal! But buying electricity at ₹5-6/unit in winters shows poor planning. We should have invested in storage solutions earlier. Better late than never though - hope the geo-thermal project at Tapri works out well. ⚡
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Sanjay P.
Political blame game continues... Previous govt didn't do enough, current govt will fix everything. We hear this every election cycle. Just get the work done properly without cutting corners. People want electricity, not excuses!
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Anjali R.
As someone from Kinnaur, I hope this development brings jobs for locals too. Often big projects bring outside workers while our youth remain unemployed. Also, the 626 MW solar projects sound promising - mountains get so much sunlight! ☀️

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