Himachal sets Nov 2026 deadline for 450 MW Shongtong project

24 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Himachal Pradesh government has fixed a November 2026 deadline to complete the 450 MW Shongtong Hydroelectric Project in Kinnaur, aiming to boost power generation and revenue. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the timeline during a review meeting with HPSEBL and energy department officials.

Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 1.579 billion units annually, earning the state around Rs 17 billion. Sukhu directed officials to ensure timely execution and prepare a power evacuation plan to avoid revenue losses.

He also pushed for tighter monitoring to reduce losses and electricity theft, asking HPSEBL to implement feeder metering and carry out consumer-wise feeder mapping across domestic, commercial and industrial categories.

The CM ordered that all HPSEBL staff on deputation in energy-related bodies be given the option to return by April 30. Civil wing employees can also opt for postings in PWD or other departments. He assured that existing service terms and benefits will remain intact.

To strengthen HPSEBL, the state will recruit 2,000 linemen and T-mates. Sukhu also directed the transfer of staff posted long-term in industrial areas to improve transparency and accountability.

Building Material

08 Sep 2025

India Must Curb Imports to Shield Aluminium Sector: ALEMAI

The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) has urged the government to revise import duties, review free trade agreements (FTAs), and implement policies that encourage domestic consumption in order to mitigate the impact of increased US tariffs on aluminium imports.Speaking at the curtain raiser event of ALUMEX India 2025, India’s first dedicated aluminium extrusion exhibition, ALEMAI President Jitendra Chopra stated that although the industry has an installed capacity of three million tonnes per annum, only 1.2 million tonnes are currently utilised. In contrast, imp..

Push Renewed for Ganjam Greenfield Airport Project

The long-standing demand for a Greenfield Airport in Ganjam district, Odisha, has regained momentum as local residents and leaders renew calls for swift action from both the state and central governments. Despite prolonged discussions over the years, a final decision on a suitable location is yet to be taken.The urgency intensified after the central government identified land for a greenfield airport just 30 km away, at Baruva in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. In response, Odisha’s Transport Minister has urged authorities to establish a similar facility at Subani village, located close to the ..

AAI Proposes Private Aviation Terminal at Pune Airport

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed the development of a dedicated general aviation terminal at Pune International Airport, exclusively for private helicopters and chartered aircraft. The proposal forms part of a larger 300-acre airport expansion project, estimated at Rs 30 billion, aimed at easing congestion and streamlining passenger movement at one of India’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.Currently, non-scheduled operators must share space with commercial airlines, leading to delays and operational bottlenecks. The proposed terminal seeks to resolve these issues by providin..