Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today directed to expedite the construction of the 450 MW Shongtong-Karchham hydroelectric project on the Satluj river in Kinnaur district to ensure its commissioning by March-April 2027. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Energy department here today, the Chief Minister said that nearly 80 percent construction work of the of the powerhouse had been completed.
The construction of the barrage would continue during the current monsoon season, as the flow of the Satluj river would be diverted through bays 4 and 5, while work on diversion bays 1, 2 and 3 would also progress simultaneously. He reiterated that the present state government was committed to strengthen Himachal’s clean energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.
He said the project would significantly enhance the state’s power generation capacity, improve energy self-reliance and contribute to environmentally sustainable growth. Sh. Sukhu said that despite several technical and geographical challenges, the state government has ensured proactive intervention through continuous monitoring and improved project planning.
The site-specific technical measures were being implemented on a regular basis to maintain construction momentum, enabling the project to achieve more than 80 percent overall completion. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate approximately 1,579 million units of electricity annually, substantially strengthening the state’s energy portfolio and enhancing grid stability. It is also projected to contribute nearly Rs. 900 crore annually to the state economy.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Nazeem, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Managing Director of HP Power Corporation Limited Abid Hussain Sadiq and other senior officers were present in the meeting.