OnlyKashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, August 28, 2026: Jammu & Kashmir has set an ambitious target of raising its operational hydropower generation capacity to 10,969.65 MW by December 2035, more than three times its present installed capacity of 3,540.15 MW.
The roadmap was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, where senior officials assessed the progress of major hydropower projects, construction milestones and commissioning schedules. The government aims to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on external power and create a reliable foundation for long-term economic growth.
Jammu & Kashmir has an identified hydropower potential of 14,635 MW, of which around 24.21 per cent has so far been harnessed. The Chenab Basin accounts for the largest share of the potential, followed by the Jhelum and Ravi basins.
According to the roadmap, major capacity additions are expected over the coming years. By 2027, 1,636 MW is targeted through the commissioning of the 1,000 MW Pakal Dul HEP, 624 MW Kiru HEP and 12 MW Karnah HEP, with the 37.5 MW Parnai HEP also scheduled to add capacity.
The year 2028 is expected to bring another major increase, with 540 MW Kwar HEP and 850 MW Ratle HEP targeted for commissioning. Further additions in 2029 are expected from Central Sector projects, including Dulhasti Stage-II and Uri-I Stage-II.
The subsequent 2031-35 phase will focus on major projects including 820 MW Kirthai-II, 390 MW Kirthai-I and 1,856 MW Sawalkote HEP, taking the projected capacity to 10,969.65 MW.
Several projects are already showing substantial progress. Pakal Dul has achieved 85 per cent physical progress, while Kiru has recorded 88.75 per cent. Kwar has achieved 37.82 per cent physical progress, while Ratle stands at 31.53 per cent. Karnah is around 93 per cent complete and Parnai has reached 72.5 per cent physical progress.
Chief Secretary Dulloo directed departments and project authorities to maintain close monitoring, strengthen coordination and resolve bottlenecks to ensure timely completion.
The planned expansion is expected to support industry, tourism, infrastructure and emerging economic activities while moving J&K towards greater energy self-reliance and a stronger power surplus position.
