NHPC synchronises third unit, declares COD for second unit at Subansiri Lower project
Author: PPD Team Date: February 2, 2026
NHPC Limited achieved two operational milestones at its 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam during the intervening night of 31 January and 1 February 2026.
The first milestone was the synchronisation of the third unit, designated as Unit 1 of 250 MW, with the National Grid at 21:00 hours on 31 January 2026. This was followed by the declaration of the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the second unit, Unit 3 of 250 MW, at 00:00 hours on 01 February 2026, adding 250 MW of hydropower capacity to the grid.
With these additions, the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has commissioned 500 MW out of its total planned capacity of 2,000 MW, comprising eight units of 250 MW each. The project is expected to support grid stability, provide peak power support, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national energy mix.
Chairman and Managing Director Bhupender Gupta expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam for their support. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Subansiri project team led by Executive Director Rajendra Prasad, along with officials from various departments at the Corporate Office. Gupta stated that the successful commissioning reflects NHPC’s technical expertise and execution capability, and contributes to national energy resilience and the Government of India’s objective of a sustainable and self-reliant power sector. He added that the milestones would support the timely commissioning of the remaining units.
Director Projects Sanjay Kumar Singh congratulated the teams at the project site and the Corporate Office for achieving the milestones. Executive Director Rajendra Prasad thanked NHPC management, corporate teams, executing agencies including GE Vernova, BGS-SGS-SOMA, Texmaco Rail and Engineering Limited, Patel Engineering Limited, as well as local stakeholders and communities for their continued support.
Photo credit: NHPC