India Fast-tracks Rs 2,600 Crore Hydropower Projects on Chenab River on 21 May 2026

Key facts

• India has launched two major projects worth nearly Rs 2,600 crore on the Chenab River after putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) framework with Pakistan in abeyance.
• The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will execute the projects, including the Rs 2,352 crore Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel Project in the Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.
• The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel involves constructing an 8.7-km tunnel and a 19-metre-high barrage to divert water from the Chandra river into the Beas river system.
• The Dulhasti Stage-II project in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir aims to increase hydropower generation capacity near Koskar village.
• The Centre has also fast-tracked other Chenab basin projects, including the 1,856-MW Sawalkote project in Ramban district, alongside Kiru, Kwar, Ratle, and Pakal Dul.