New Delhi, Dec 15: NHPC Limited is currently operating six hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir with a total installed capacity of 2,250 MW, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik in a written reply to a question by Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the projects include Salal (690 MW), Uri-I (480 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW), Sewa-II (120 MW), Uri-II (240 MW) and Kishanganga (330 MW),
Regarding the 850 MW Ratle and 1,000 MW Pakal Dul hydroelectric projects, the Minister said both are being implemented through joint venture companies formed between NHPC and the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).
The Ratle project, under Ratle Hydro Power Corporation Limited, has achieved 26 per cent physical progress as of October 31, 2025, and is scheduled for commissioning by November 2028.
The Pakal Dul project, implemented through Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited, has achieved 75 per cent physical progress and is expected to be commissioned by December 2026, he added.
On the transfer of hydropower projects to the Union Territory government, the Minister noted that it is governed by the provisions and conditions specified in the MoUs and agreements executed with the State/UT administration.
Regarding the lignite-based thermal power project at Nichhama Rajwar Handwara, Shri Naik said no information is available in the Ministry of Power.
However, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) is conducting lignite exploration in the Nichahom block of Kupwara district to generate geological data for potential development of the lignite deposit. (KNO)
