Kinnaur District, HP – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered that the long-delayed 450 MW Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project be completed by November 2026. During a site inspection on 9 June 2025, the CM toured the project’s power house at Karcham and the barrage at Powari, meeting with engineers and construction workers to assess progress.
Sukhu stressed that, after 13 years of intermittent work, the current administration has fast-tracked the development and reinstated its original timeline. “We are committed to delivering this critical infrastructure on schedule,” he said, praising the diligence of the project team and urging all stakeholders to maintain momentum.
Once operational, Shongtong-Karcham is projected to generate annual revenues of approximately Rs 1,000 crore, providing a significant boost to Himachal Pradesh’s finances and energy security. The CM underscored the government’s broader strategy to harness the state’s abundant river resources efficiently.
Looking ahead, Sukhu revealed plans for additional major hydro projects—including Dhaulasidh, Luhri, and Sunni—under state control. He also announced future renewable energy initiatives, such as a proposed geothermal power plant at Tapri and substantial investments in solar and green hydrogen technologies. These measures aim to diversify Himachal Pradesh’s energy portfolio and reinforce its leadership in sustainable power generation.
