Jammu, Mar 04: In a bid to transform the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into an energy surplus region, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has undertaken several strategic initiatives and policy measures aimed at the development of the hydro power sector.
Under the leadership of the NarendraModi government, Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a major developmental transformation, particularly in the power sector since 2019. The historic decision to revoke the provisions of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has paved the way for comprehensive development initiatives, bringing the region into the national mainstream.
Major hydro power projects, including the 1856MW Sawalkote, 930MW Kirthai-II, 850MW Ratle, 93MW NGHEP, and 48MW Lower Kalnai, which were stalled, have been propelled towards expeditious implementation. Similarly, projects like the 390MW Kirthai-I, 258MW Dulhasti-II, and 240MW Uri-I Phase II, currently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) or clearance stage, have been fast-tracked. This concerted effort has prioritised an aggregate capacity of 4665 MW for development, as per official handout.
The bottlenecks hindering the progress of major projects such as the 1000MW PakalDul HEP, 624MW Kiru HEP, and 540MW Kwar HEP, executed by M/s CVPPPL under the Built, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) model, have been resolved. These projects, with a combined capacity of 2164MW, are now advancing swiftly and are expected to be completed and commissioned by 2026.
In a landmark achievement, the Gurez Valley in North Kashmir has been connected to the electricity grid for the first time since independence. This development has brought joy to the residents of the region. A 69-kilometer transmission line, traversing the challenging terrain of Razdan Pass at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet, has been laid. Additionally, a 6.3 MVA, 33/11kV Receiving Station at Dawar in Gurez, along with an underlying 11kV network and 14 Distribution Transformers (DTs) with a cumulative capacity of 1700 KVA, has been installed, benefitting over 1500 residents with reliable grid power supply. Previously, Gurez relied on diesel generators for power supply. This connectivity milestone sets the stage for extending grid connectivity to other areas such as Tulail.
Another significant achievement is the provision of grid-connected power supply to the holy shrine of ShriAmarnath Baba for the first time. With an investment of Rs. 13.55 crore, this project involved laying a 14 km underground cable, installing 12 new 25 kVA Distribution Transformers (DTs), and erecting 270 GI octagonal poles with 2 No. 110 W LED lights on each pole in the challenging, snow-bound terrain. This ensures reliable power supply for pilgrims visiting the shrine.
For the first time, Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totalling 1600MW have been signed with different Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). Power flow to the Union Territory against these PPAs is set to commence from the fiscal year 2024-25 to 2025-26. These Solar Power PPAs not only contribute significantly to meeting Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets but also diversify the power sources.
Moreover, a comprehensive program aimed at adding, upgrading, and enhancing the distribution and transmission infrastructure is underway, supported by various schemes and Union Territory Capex. With the successful completion of projects under recently concluded Central Sector Schemes (CSS), substantial capacity additions have been achieved. In the transmission sector alone, a total capacity addition of 2955 MVA has been accomplished at the 220 kV and 132 kV voltage levels through the creation and augmentation of 38 grid substations.
One of the most significant achievements is the overhaul of the power infrastructure, aimed at tapping into Kashmir’s vast hydroelectric potential. “Despite possessing a capacity of 20,000 MW, only 3,500 MW of hydropower had been harnessed over 70 years. However, in a testament to the government’s commitment to development, projects with a combined capacity of about 3,000 MW have been revived and put on track in recent years,” as per official data available.
The completion of 100% electrification under the SAUBHAGYA scheme has ensured universal household electrification, providing last-mile connectivity to residents.
It is worth mentioning that on December 19, 2023, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R. K. Singh provided details regarding power allocation and hydroelectric power initiatives in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) during a session in the RajyaSabha.
“As of November 2023, 2791 MW of power had been allocated to the UT of J&K from Central Generating Stations. Additional power allocations were made by the Ministry of Power to assist the UT in meeting the increased demand for power during the winter months. These additional allocations included 393 MW for December 2023, 443 MW for January and February 2024, and 593 MW for March 2024,” he had informed RajyaSabha.
“The government has initiated significant steps for the development of hydropower in J&K, aiming to transform it into an energy surplus UT. AnMoU was signed between the Government of J&K and NHPC on January 3, 2021, for the development of three projects with a total installed capacity of 2354 MW. These projects were Uri (Stage-II) 240 MW, Dulhasti (Stage-II) 258 MW, and Sawalkote HEP 1856 MW, to be developed by NHPC on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis,” he stated. Similarly, 930 MW Kirthai II HEP was assigned to Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL) for development in Joint Venture mode.
It was further informed that Rattle Hydro Power Development Corporation Limited, a joint venture between NHPC and JKPDC, was created for the development of the 850 MW Rattle HEP, expected to be commissioned by May 2026.
Meanwhile, CVPPPL was tasked with constructing several projects with a total installed capacity of 3094 MW, including PakalDul HEP (1000 MW), Kiru HEP (624 MW), Kwar HEP (540 MW), and the revised Kirthai II HEP (930 MW). These projects were to be developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain (BOOM) basis.
It may further be noted that JKSPDC has identified 14 projects with a total installed capacity of 738.5 MW for execution, including projects like Karnah HEP (12 MW) and Parnai HEP (37.5 MW), both under construction and expected to be completed by July 2024 and September 2025, respectively.
Overall, the development of these hydroelectric power projects is expected to add around 7000 MW of capacity over the next 8 to 10 years, which would significantly impact the economic development of J&K, including employment generation in economically backward areas.
J&K’s transformative power path
Revival of stalled projects, including Sawalkote, Kirthai-II, Ratle, NGHEP, and Lower Kalnai, signals renewed infrastructure focus.
7,000 MW of hydro power capacity expected to be added in J&K in next 8 to 10 years
Fast-tracking of identified projects like Kirthai-I, Dulhasti-II, and Uri-I Phase II ensures timely execution for enhanced power generation.
Strategic partnerships with NHPC, JKPDC, and CVPPPL accelerate critical projects like the Rattle HEP, boosting hydropower capacity.
Ambitious initiatives like Uri (Stage-11) and Sawalkote HEP address energy deficits, driving economic growth by 2026.
Milestone achievements in grid connectivity for remote areas like Gurez Valley and ShriAmarnath Baba Shrine ensure reliable electricity access.
Emphasis on renewable energy, with Solar PPAs for 1600 MW, highlights commitment to diversification and sustainability.
Infrastructure modernization efforts, including transmission line upgrades and distribution improvements, ensure efficient power supply.
Hydro power projects drive employment generation and economic growth, particularly in economically backward areas of Jammu & Kashmir, fostering inclusive development.
SAUBHAGYA scheme ensures universal household electrification.
