Srinagar, Jan 15: The 624 MW Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project on the Chenab River has been granted, yet another extension with completion now pushed to December 2026, more than three years behind its original schedule, even as costs balloon to Rs 5409 crore from an initial estimate of Rs 4287 crore, according to official documents accessed by Greater Kashmir.
Power Minister Manohar Lal conducted a high-level review of the project in the first week of January, setting the fresh deadline amid concerns over mounting delays that have plagued the strategically important initiative since construction began in February 2020, officials said.
Originally scheduled for commissioning in September 2023, the project underwent its first revision to July 2025 before the latest postponement to the end of 2026, according to the documents.
The delays represent a 39-month slip from initial projections, raising questions about project management and execution challenges in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
The cost escalation of over Rs 1121 crore, a 26 percent increase, has been attributed to geological complexities, adverse weather conditions, and logistical hurdles typical of high-altitude construction in the remote Kishtwar district of the Chenab Valley, project officials told Greater Kashmir.
Despite the setbacks, the documents show 73 percent physical progress has been achieved, with cumulative expenditure reaching Rs 3186.98 crore.
However, the gap between physical completion and financial outlay suggests the most expensive phase – electromechanical installations – still lies ahead.
The run-of-river scheme, being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited – a joint venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (51 percent) and J&K State Power Development Corporation (49 percent) – is designed to generate 2272 million units annually once operational.
The project features a 135-meter concrete gravity dam, an underground powerhouse with four vertical Francis turbines of 156 MW each, and associated infrastructure, including diversion tunnels and pressure shafts.
Located between the Kirthai II and Kwar hydroelectric projects, Kiru forms part of an integrated development plan for the Chenab River basin.
The project is expected to play a vital role in strengthening northern India’s power grid while providing clean, renewable energy.
Its foundation stone was laid in March 2019, following environmental clearance granted in 2016 and the Cabinet approval the same year.
However, the gap between approval and completion continues to widen, a pattern seen across several hydroelectric projects in the region.
