Nepal PM triggers final blast of Arun-3 Hydroelectric project

Nepal-India collaboration aims to enhance energy security with sustainable 900 MW hydroelectric power.

Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ triggered the final blast to mark the completion of the 11.8 km Head Race Tunnel excavation for the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in Sankhuwasabha District, Nepal. The project is being executed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN. SJVN and the Government of Nepal’s collaboration aims to enhance regional energy security and boost economic development through sustainable hydropower generation in the Arun River Basin.

Present at the tunnel breakthrough ceremony was Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet; Health Minister of Province 1 Rajender Karki; India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava; SJVN Chairperson & Managing Director Sushil Sharma; Investment Board of Nepal CEO Sushil Bhatta; SAPDC CEO Arun Dhiman; SJVN Executive Director Rakesh Sehgal; and other officials from the Government of Nepal and local authorities.

In his address, the Prime Minister of Nepal highlighted that this breakthrough brings the region closer to the goal of providing clean, renewable energy and contributing to sustainable development. He expressed his appreciation for the ongoing efforts and reaffirmed the Government of Nepal’s commitment to the timely completion of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project.

India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, recalled the agreement made last year between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Dahal on a long-term power trade agreement for importing electricity from Nepal. He noted that the completion of the export-oriented 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project would be a major milestone in this agreement.

SJVN CMD Sushil Sharma informed the Prime Minister that the Head Race Tunnel’s breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the construction of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project. He added that the successful completion of the tunnel is a monumental achievement in harnessing the Arun River’s hydropower potential.

Sharma briefed the Prime Minister on the project’s progress, including the associated 217 km transmission line, noting that over 74 percent of the project is complete, with the remaining work progressing swiftly. He stated that the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is expected to start generating electricity by next year, with the potential to produce 3,924 million units annually.

Sharma expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the Government of Nepal, local authorities, and the community. He emphasised that the project symbolises the strong partnership between India and Nepal in the energy sector and their collective efforts to achieve energy security and environmental sustainability.

During his visit to Nepal, Sharma also met with Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal and Home Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal to discuss various issues related to hydroelectric project development in the Arun Valley. SJVN is currently executing 2,200 MW of three Hydroelectric Projects in the Arun River basin in Nepal.