NHPC has announced that all four units of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project (800 MW) in Himachal Pradesh are expected to be operational by March 2025. This run-of-the-river project is designed to harness the hydro potential of the lower reaches of the Parbati River. With a cost estimate of Rs 39.2 billion, it will feature four Pelton turbines, each with a 200 MW capacity, supplied by Bharat Heavy Electricals.
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, held a meeting in Shimla to review Himachal Pradesh’s urban development initiatives and power sector advancements. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Public Works & Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and senior state and central government officials attended the meeting, focusing on the state’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and hydroelectric projects. During the discussions, potential collaboration between Himachal Pradesh and the Bhakra Beas Management…
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the historic 110 MW Shanan Power House in Mandi district, emphasizing the need for its control to be transferred to the Himachal Pradesh government following the expiration of the lease period. Although the power house is currently operated by the Punjab government, Sukhu mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding its handover. He noted that the Shanan project, built over a century ago, is not covered under the…
Himachal Pradesh is set to fully electrify its public transport system, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu announcing a plan to convert the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) fleet to 100% electric by March 2025. The transition to electric vehicles aims to reduce the environmental impact and improve HRTC’s financial performance, positioning it as a key player in sustainable transport across Himachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), which serves over 7 million citizens, invited bids for 327 electric buses, comprising 297 nine-meter buses and 30 twelve-meter buses. After technical evaluations, Olectra emerged as the lowest bidder. HRTC is expected to finalize the order soon, following its previous collaboration with Olectra in 2017, which saw the introduction of electric buses on the Kullu-Manali-Rohtang Pass route. The new Olectra buses will feature Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), air…
REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has shortlisted Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Sterlite Power, and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) for setting up evacuation infrastructure for hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh under the ISTS scheme. This project, housed under Shongtong Power Transmission Ltd, follows a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process. The three developers have cleared the technical bid stage, and their initial price bids will soon be opened. The bidding will…
The Himachal Pradesh government has initiated pumped storage projects (PSPs) with the approval of two key projects: the 1,630 MW Renukaji pump storage project in Sirmaur district and the 270 MW Thana Plaun pump storage project in the Beas Basin, Mandi district. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the projects have been allotted to Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL), with work already underway. The Renukaji project will generate 40 MW, and the Thana Plaun hydropower…
Himachal Pradesh has long been recognized for its abundant natural resources, particularly its potential for hydroelectric power generation. Despite this, the state faced challenges related to high electricity procurement costs. However, in recent years, Himachal Pradesh has reduced its electricity procurement cost from over Rs 9 per unit to approximately Rs 5.25 per unit. This significant reduction is a result of strategic decisions, policy reforms, and effective resource management. Here’s an in-depth look at how…
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