NHPC’s Subhashri 750 MW Ready for Generation before ending Financial Year-NHPC Team

New Delhi, October 6, 2024 : NHPC’s Subhashri hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh is progressing steadily and is on track to generate 750 MW of power before the end of this financial year, according to the NHPC team. The project, which was recently prioritized by the Ministry of Power for expedited completion, is now set to achieve its long-awaited target.

Originally started unofficially in 2000 and officially announced in 2005, the project has seen significant delays. Several companies, including L&T, SOMA, GE, TEXMACO, and Patel Engineering, were awarded contracts in various categories but failed to deliver within the specified timelines.

According to NewsIP experts, these companies earned substantial profits from the project but were unable to complete their assigned tasks. During this period, multiple government administrations and management teams changed, yet the project remained stalled.

During the Ministry of Power’s 100-day program celebration, a senior official questioned NHPC’s team about the project’s progress, emphasizing its priority status. In response, NHPC officials committed to delivering at least 750 MW of power generation before the close of this financial year.

Sources close to the development attribute the delay to inadequate focus on hydro-mechanical work, a critical component of the project. Industry experts estimate that this oversight has cost NHPC crores in potential revenue losses. Insiders suggest that if NHPC had prioritized technical completion over meeting government expectations, the project could have advanced more swiftly.

Despite these challenges, experts remain optimistic that, with swift attention to the hydro-mechanical work, the project could be operational soon.

Project Highlights:

– Location : Arunachal Pradesh
– Capacity : 2,000 MW
– Initial Estimated Cost: ₹6,000 crore (now revised to ₹22,000 crore)
– Delay : 10 years due to NGT restrictions and stalled work
– Original Deadline : 2009
– Current Status : Delayed (NHPC officials expect 750 MW generation to be completed before the next financial year)
– Cause of Delay : Insufficient focus on hydro-mechanical work

 Implications:
– Financial Losses : NHPC may incur substantial losses due to the delay
– Energy Goals : Delay hampers India’s renewable energy targets
– Regional Power Supply : Delay impacts power availability in the region