Srinagar, May 31: Bhupender Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC, successfully conducted the first blast for the construction of the 240 MW Uri Phase-I Stage-II hydroelectric project in the Uri area of Baramulla district on Sunday.
This significant achievement marks the formal commencement of major construction activities for the project, which is expected to enhance power generation capacity and contribute to long-term energy security in the region.
Officials associated with the project indicated that the successful first blast signals the beginning of key construction work under the Uri Phase-I Stage-II hydroelectric project.
The project is anticipated to increase electricity production and improve energy availability, especially as Jammu and Kashmir continues its efforts to expand its power infrastructure.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to harness hydroelectric potential and reduce reliance on external power supply sources.
Officials noted that the start of construction is a critical phase in the project’s implementation. The 240 MW project will play a vital role in boosting production capacity and meeting the future electricity needs of the region.
NHPC is already operating six major hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, with a total installed capacity of 2,250 MW. These include the Salal HEP (690 MW) in Reasi district, Uri Phase-I HEP (480 MW) in Baramulla district, Uri Phase-II HEP (240 MW) in Baramulla district, Dulhasti HEP (390 MW) in Kishtwar district, Kishanganga HEP (330 MW) in Bandipora district, and Ravi-II HEP (120 MW) in Kathua district.
NHPC is implementing several large-scale projects in Jammu and Kashmir, many of which are operated through joint ventures such as Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPPL) and Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL). These include the Pakal Dul project (1,000 MW) on the Marusudar River in Kishtwar district, the Ratle project (850 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, the Kiru project (624 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, and the Kwar project (540 MW) on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district.
For the Dulhasti Stage-II and Uri Phase-I Stage-II projects, NHPC has approved a significant investment program for capacity expansion, which will create an additional 500 MW of production capacity from both projects.
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