Ratle hydro electric project achieves major milestone in J&K

Successful diversion of Chenab river expedites construction, paving the way for scheduled commissioning in 2026.

A significant milestone was reached at the Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir, as the Chenab River was successfully diverted through diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in the Kishtwar district. This river diversion marks a crucial step in the project’s progress, allowing for the isolation of the dam area at the riverbed, thus enabling the commencement of critical activities such as excavation and dam construction. The successful diversion of the river is expected to expedite construction efforts and minimise delays, thereby supporting the project’s goal of meeting the scheduled commissioning date of May 2026.

The River Diversion ceremony was inaugurated by NHPC’s CMD, RK Vishnoi, and was attended by notable dignitaries including H Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary (PDD), Government of J&K, ID Dayal, Chairman of RHPCL, Pankaj Mangotra, MD of JKSPDC, Directors of NHPC, AK Nauriyal CEO of RHPCL, along with other officials from NHPC and the Government of J&K.

The Ratle Project, managed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a joint venture of NHPC Limited and the Government of J&K, with a shareholding ratio of 51:49 percent respectively, is situated on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar District of J&K, boasting an installed capacity of 850 MW. The project received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in January 2021, with a total estimated cost of ₹5281.94 crores.