India accelerates J&K hydropower projects after IWT suspension

India has fast-tracked four major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir following its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. The 1,000 MW Pakal Dul, 624 MW Kiru, 540 MW Kwar, and 850 MW Ratle projects, located on the Chenab river, are now slated for earlier commissioning between May 2026 and July 2028.

Of these, the Ratle project is expected to be the first to come online in May 2026.  

The development comes in the wake of India’s formal termination of its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governed water sharing between India and Pakistan.  

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called the termination a “historic correction” and a “befitting response” to Pakistan. He said India will now have full control over the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, allowing Jammu and Kashmir to fully exploit its hydropower potential, improve irrigation in arid regions, and build new infrastructure.

With full control now in India’s hands, projects that were delayed or limited due to treaty provisions are expected to move forward.