River diversion to expedite construction of dam, says Power Ministry
A major milestone has been achieved at the 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir, with the diversion of Chenab River through diversion tunnels at Drabshalla in Kishtwar district on 27 Jan 2024.
The Rs.5,281.94 crore project was sanctioned by the Government in January 2021.
The river diversion will enable isolation of dam area at river bed for starting the critical activity of excavation and construction of dam, the Ministry of Power said on 29 Jan 2024.
It will expedite project construction activities and help in minimising delays so as to facilitate all efforts being made by the project to meet the scheduled commissioning date of May 2026.
The Ratle Project is being executed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a Joint Venture of NHPC Limited and Government of J&K, with shareholding of 51:49 percent, respectively.
Ratle HE project is situated on River Chenab in Kishtwar District of J&K with the central Government supporting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by providing grant of Rs.776.44 crore for equity contribution of JKSPDC in the JVC set up for Ratle HE Project.
NHPC shall invest its equity Rs.808.14 crore from its internal resources.
The Ratle Hydro Electric Project is expected to be commissioned within 60 months, said the Ministry.
Power from the Project will help in providing balancing of Grid and will improve electricity supply position.
Further, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will benefit by getting free power worth Rs.5,289 crore and through a levy on Water Usage Charges worth Rs.9,581 crore during the 40-year life cycle of Ratle Project. Fiinews.com
