JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 : After remaining stalled for several decades, the ambitious 1,856-MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district is finally poised to enter the execution phase, with NHPC ready to commence work once the remaining investment approvals are secured.
According to official sources, Lot-1 tenders have already been floated and are ready for opening following approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB). The project will subsequently require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), with the approvals expected in the coming months.
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN LOT-1
The first package includes construction of:
- Diversion tunnels
- Access tunnels and roads
- Associated infrastructure works
- Right-bank spiral tunnel
- Dam-related works
Once the necessary clearances are obtained, NHPC is expected to move rapidly towards execution of the mega project.
RAMPING UP J&K’S HYDROPOWER POTENTIAL
The Sawalkot project is spread across Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi, with Ramban expected to bear the largest share of its land requirement and submergence.
Of the 1,401.35 hectares required for the project, approximately 1,097.55 hectares are in Ramban, 197 hectares in Udhampur and 106.8 hectares in Reasi.
The proposed submergence area covers 1,158.75 hectares, of which 1,030.55 hectares—or 88.94 per cent—falls in Ramban. Udhampur accounts for 63 hectares and Reasi 65.2 hectares.
Different components of the project will be located across the three districts. The powerhouse, main tunnel and left dam abutment will fall in Udhampur, while the diversion tunnel, right abutment and right-bank tunnels extend into Reasi and Ramban.
R&R PLAN FOR AFFECTED FAMILIES
Given the scale of land acquisition and submergence, a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) plan has been prepared for affected communities.
The plan includes compensation for landowners and rehabilitation and resettlement benefits in accordance with applicable provisions and established practices.
CHENAB BASIN AT THE CENTRE OF DEVELOPMENT
Sawalkot is among the major hydropower projects planned in the Chenab basin and is being positioned as an important part of efforts to utilise Jammu and Kashmir’s substantial hydropower potential.
The project’s revival was announced by the Central Government on October 10, 2025, along with a recommendation for environmental clearance, giving fresh momentum to the long-pending scheme.
With the project now advancing through the final approval process and Lot-1 tenders already floated, Sawalkot is moving from decades of delay towards construction.
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly boost Jammu and Kashmir’s power-generation capacity and strengthen the development of the Chenab basin’s hydropower resources.
