Author: PPD Team Date: 09/04/2025
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the takeover of five hydro electric projects (HEPs) from SJVN Limited and NHPC Limited.
Three of the projects were previously allotted to SJVN. These include:
Luhri Hydro Electric Project Stage I
Located near Nirath village, this project involves a concrete gravity dam, 86 meters high, across the Satluj river. It has an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) and an estimated cost of Rs 18.10 billion.
Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project
This run-of-river (RoR) scheme is situated near Khaira village, across Shimla and Mandi districts. It includes six units with a combined capacity of 382 MW (five units of 73 MW and one unit of 17 MW). The total investment stands at Rs 30 billion.
Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric Project
Planned across the Beas river in Hamirpur and Kangra districts, this project is part of the Indus basin. It has a generation potential of 66 MW and an estimated cost of Rs 6.87 billion.
Two projects were earlier under NHPC:
Dugar Hydro Electric Project
This is another RoR project with diurnal storage, to be developed in Chamba district. It has an estimated cost of Rs 54 billion. NHPC was initially appointed by the Himachal Pradesh government to execute the project.
Baira Siul Hydro Electric Project
This project has been operational for more than 35 years. It has an installed capacity of 180 MW (3×60 MW) and is located in Salooni Tehsil of Chamba district.
The Cabinet’s move consolidates these projects under state control, marking a key development in Himachal Pradesh’s hydro power strategy.