Manohar Lal, Union Power Minister, concluded his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, during which he reviewed the progress of several key hydropower projects aimed at strengthening the region’s power infrastructure.

On the first day of his visit on January 4, 2026, the Minister reviewed the Salal, Sawalkot and Ratle hydropower projects. Later in the day, he arrived at NHPC’s Dulhasti Power Station in Kishtwar, where he was received by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects), NHPC, and  Ramesh Mukhiya, Managing Director, Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), along with senior officials from NHPC and CVPP.

On January 5, Manohar Lal inspected all three hydropower projects being developed by CVPP in the Chenab Valley — Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW). He also held a detailed review meeting with project heads and contractors to assess construction progress, timelines and on-ground challenges.

During the meeting, the Chairman and Managing Director, NHPC, briefed the Minister on various technical and implementation aspects of the under-construction projects. Following the review, Manohar Lal directed that the Pakal Dul and Kiru projects be commissioned by December 2026, while the Kwar project is to be completed by March 2028.

The Power Minister also interacted with local residents and workers at multiple project sites, listening to their concerns and feedback. After reviewing the works, he commended the project teams and workforce for their dedication and perseverance in executing complex hydropower projects under challenging terrain and climatic conditions.

Manohar Lal expressed confidence that the timely completion of these projects would significantly enhance power generation capacity in the region and contribute to reliable electricity supply, while also supporting economic development and employment in Jammu and Kashmir.