J&K Hydropower Projects: Ratle Set for 2028, Pakal Dul Nearing Completion, Centre Informs Parl

Says No Information Regarding Proposed Thermal Power Project at Nichhama Rajwar in Handwara

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Power on Monday informed Parliament that NHPC Limited is currently operating six hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir with a cumulative installed capacity of 2,250 megawatts, while two major projects, Ratle and Pakal Dul, are under construction in partnership with the Jammu and Kashmir government.

In a written reply to a parliamentary query, Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said NHPC is operating the 690 MW Salal project, 480 MW Uri-I, 390 MW Dulhasti, 120 MW Sewa-II, 240 MW Uri-II, and the 330 MW Kishanganga project in the Union Territory.

The minister said the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project and the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project are being implemented through joint venture companies formed between NHPC Limited and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).

According to the reply, the Ratle project is being executed by Ratle Hydro Power Corporation Limited. As of October 31, 2025, the project has achieved about 26 per cent physical progress and is scheduled to be commissioned by November 2028.

The Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project is being implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited, another NHPC–JKSPDC joint venture. The project has recorded around 75 per cent physical progress as of October 31, 2025, and is targeted for commissioning by December 2026.

The ministry further clarified that any transfer of hydropower projects to a state or Union Territory government is governed strictly by the terms and conditions outlined in the respective Memoranda of Understanding or agreements signed with the state government or UT administration.

Responding to a separate question, the minister said the Ministry of Power has no information regarding a proposed thermal power project at Nichhama Rajwar in Handwara. However, he added that Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited is currently carrying out lignite exploration in the Nichahom block of Kupwara district to generate reliable geological data for the possible development of the Nichahom lignite deposit.