Nepal PM Triggers Last Blast Of Head Race Tunnel Of SJVN Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project
Currently, SJVN is executing 2,200 MW of three Hydroelectric Projects on Arun River basin in Nepal
The recent breakthrough in the Head Race Tunnel of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is a significant milestone for Nepal and India in their collaborative efforts towards enhancing regional energy security and promoting sustainable development. This project, executed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), represents a substantial investment in the future of hydropower generation in the Arun River Basin.
Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, marked this achievement by triggering the last blast, signaling the completion of the 11.8 km long Head Race Tunnel. His presence, along with other dignitaries including Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal Shri Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Health Minister, Province 1 of Nepal Shri Rajender Karki, and India’s Ambassador to Nepal Shri Naveen Srivastava, underscored the importance of this project for both nations.
In his address, Prime Minister Prachanda highlighted the project’s role in providing clean, renewable energy and contributing to the sustainable development of the region. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts and reiterated Nepal’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion.
India’s Ambassador, Shri Naveen Srivastava, emphasized the significance of this development in the context of the long-term power trade agreement between India and Nepal, agreed upon by the Prime Ministers of both countries last year. The Arun-3 project, with its 900 MW capacity, is expected to be a cornerstone of this energy partnership, facilitating the export of electricity from Nepal to India.
CMD of SJVN, Shri Sushil Sharma, reported that over 74% of the project work has been completed, including the associated 217 km long transmission line. He assured that the project is on track to start generating electricity by next year, with an annual potential of producing 3,924 million units of electricity. This progress signifies a monumental achievement in harnessing the hydropower potential of the Arun River.
The successful completion of the Head Race Tunnel not only represents a technical milestone but also symbolizes the strong partnership between India and Nepal in the energy sector. This collaboration aims to achieve energy security and environmental sustainability, benefiting both nations economically and ecologically.
Further discussions during CMD Sushil Sharma’s visit to Nepal with Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal and Home Secretary Shri Eaknarayan Aryal, focused on expanding hydroelectric development in the Arun Valley, reinforcing the commitment to mutual growth and regional energy cooperation.
