Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project Set for Completion by 2026

Overview of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

Guwahati, June 1: The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 2,000 MW, is anticipated to be fully operational by May 2026. Upon its completion, Assam will receive 508 MW of power along with an additional 25 MW as free power.

According to sources from NHPC, the initial phase will see the commissioning of 750 MW by mid-June this year, with the dam filling process already underway.

Once fully operational, Assam will purchase the allocated 508 MW at rates set by the Central Electricity Authority, which are expected to be more economical than market prices. Arunachal Pradesh is projected to receive 274 MW, while other northeastern states will get 193 MW. Additionally, northern and western states will each receive 500 MW.

The National Disaster Management Authority has approved the dam filling after addressing slope stability concerns. The Government of India has allocated Rs 470 crore for initiatives benefiting communities downstream of the project, with Rs 140 crore already utilized for erosion protection over 30 kilometers from the project site. This work has been completed, but the Assam Government has requested NHPC to extend erosion protection efforts to 60 kilometers, leading to an additional sanction of Rs 180 crore.

Erosion protection initiatives from 30 to 60 kilometers are set to commence in the upcoming working season. Furthermore, similar erosion protection measures are being implemented in certain areas of Majuli river island, with contracts already awarded.

The erosion protection strategies have been designed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, and the progress is being overseen by IIT Guwahati.