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India Revives Sawalkote Hydropower Project in J&K and Jammu & Kashmir's Largest 1,856 MW Plant Cleared.

National | Dated: 05 Aug 2025

In July 2025, the Government of India fast-tracked the long-delayed Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir. With tendering initiated by NHPC, the project-planned for 1,856 megawatts (MW)-has been designated of national importance amid India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Originally conceived in the 1960s by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and surveyed by the Geological Survey of India between 1962-71, the project remained dormant for decades. It was only in February 2018 that a detailed project report (DPR) was submitted.
  • - Now, following the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in April 2025, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has floated an international tender worth approximately ₹200 crore for Package-1-Planning, Design & Engineering-on July 29, 2025.
  • - The run-of-the-river design includes a 192.5-metre roller-compacted concrete gravity dam, three diversion tunnels (measuring 965 m, 1,130 m, and 1,280 m), and an underground powerhouse with eight turbines of 225 MW each (totaling 1,800 MW), plus a 56 MW auxiliary unit to ensure mandatory environmental flow-bringing installed capacity to 1,856 MW. It will handle flood diversions of 2,977 cumec (non-monsoon) and 9,292 cumec (monsoon).

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Estimated to cost around 22,704 crore according to the DPR, Sawalkote aims to generate over 7,000 million units of clean electricity annually. Once operational, it is expected to become Jammu & Kashmir's largest hydroelectric project-surpassing the 900 MW Baglihar plant-and significantly enhance energy availability in the Union Territory and northern India.
  • (ii) With the IWT now suspended, India has asserted sovereign rights over the Chenab River and other western rivers. Sawalkote's revival is both a strategic energy initiative and a diplomatic signal, reinforcing India's control over water resources.
  • (iii) The project has also been granted the status of a 'Nationally Important Infrastructure Project', streamlining approvals. Beyond energy, it offers flood mitigation, job creation during execution, and economic upliftment of Ramban and Udhampur districts.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, the Government of India revived which hydropower project, making it Jammu & Kashmir's largest hydroelectric plant?

Correct Answer: Sawalkote Hydropower Project

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