Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project

The Government of India has accelerated work on a major hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) floating a ₹5,129 crore tender for the construction of the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project in Ramban district.

The Sawalkot project is the first new large hydropower project to receive approval following the abrogation of the Indus Water Treaty, marking a significant development in India’s utilisation of its western river resources.

Planned on the Chenab River, the Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project has a total installed capacity of 1,856 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric ventures in the region. The project will be developed in two stages—Stage One with a capacity of 1,406 MW, followed by Stage Two of 450 MW.

Geographically, the project is strategically located between the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project upstream and the Salal Hydroelectric Project downstream, enabling optimal utilisation of the Chenab’s hydropower potential.

The Sawalkot project is designed as a “run-of-the-river” scheme, which limits large-scale water storage and is considered environmentally less intrusive compared to conventional reservoir-based hydropower projects.

Officials say the project will play a crucial role in enhancing power generation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir, strengthening energy security, and supporting regional development and employment, while also reinforcing India’s strategic control over hydropower resources in the Chenab basin.