Nepal PM Prachanda Marks Major Milestone in Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

Sankhuwasabha: Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, marked a significant milestone in the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project by triggering the last blast to complete the heading excavation for the 11.8 km long Head Race Tunnel. This 900 MW project is being executed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), a subsidiary of SJVN. The collaboration between SJVN and the Government of Nepal aims to bolster regional energy security and stimulate economic growth through sustainable hydropower in the Arun River Basin.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet; Health Minister of Province 1, Rajender Karki; India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava; SJVN’s Chairperson & Managing Director, Sushil Sharma; CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal, Sushil Bhatta; CEO of SAPDC, Arun Dhiman; Executive Director of SJVN, S. Rakesh Sehgal, and other officials from the Government of Nepal and local authorities.

In his address, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized the project’s role in advancing clean, renewable energy and contributing to sustainable regional development. He praised the ongoing efforts and reiterated the Nepali government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion.

India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, highlighted the importance of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in the long-term power trade agreement between India and Nepal. The completion of this export-oriented project, he noted, is a crucial step in fulfilling the bilateral commitment to energy cooperation.

SJVN’s CMD, Sushil Sharma, provided an update on the project’s progress, noting that over 74% of the work has been completed and that the Head Race Tunnel breakthrough is a monumental achievement. He informed attendees that the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is on track to begin generating electricity next year, with an annual potential output of 3,924 million units.

Sharma also expressed gratitude for the support from the Government of Nepal, local authorities, and the community, underscoring the project’s role in strengthening the energy partnership between India and Nepal.

During his visit, Sharma met with Nepal’s Chief Secretary, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, and Home Secretary, Eaknarayan Aryal, to discuss further development of hydroelectric projects in the Arun Valley.

Currently, SJVN is executing three hydroelectric projects on the Arun River basin in Nepal, with a combined capacity of 2,200 MW.