Sawalkote project signals new push on Chenab power | Fusion - WeRIndia

India has stepped up hydropower development in Jammu and Kashmir with a major new approval. The Centre has cleared the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River.

Notably, this is the first project of such scale taken up after changes to the Indus Water framework.

The decision reflects a stronger focus on energy security and strategic infrastructure in the region.

The ₹5,129 crore project has received the green light from the Narendra Modi-led government. Meanwhile, NHPC Limited invited construction bids on February 5.

The project will be developed across the Udhampur and Ramban districts. Therefore, it is expected to bring large-scale investment and employment to the region.

The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project will be built in two stages. In the first stage, it will generate 1,406 megawatts of power.

The second stage will add another 450 megawatts. Together, the project will have a total installed capacity of 1,856 megawatts. Consequently, it will significantly boost power generation on the Chenab river system.

Geographically, the project is located between two existing hydropower installations. The Baglihar project lies upstream, while the Salal project is downstream.

As a result, Sawalkote will strengthen the integrated hydropower cascade on the Chenab River.

According to official documents, authorities have planned construction methods to ensure early commissioning.

Hence, equipment selection and execution strategies focus on speed and efficiency. An expert committee of the environment ministry reviewed the project in October 2025.

Subsequently, the government moved to clear projects of strategic importance on priority.

Construction will begin after initial mobilisation activities are completed. Underground works can continue throughout the year.

However, surface construction will slow down during the monsoon period. Even then, work will continue at nearly 50 per cent capacity. Overall, officials estimate the project may take around nine years to complete.

Earlier, the Centre also directed agencies to fast-track other Chenab projects. Pakal Dul and Kiru must be commissioned by December 2026.

Similarly, the Kwar project is targeted for completion by March 2028. Meanwhile, work has intensified on the strategically sensitive Ratle Dam.

Image Credit: Vikasgaur2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chenab_river.jpg