SJVN Accelerates Arun-3 and Lower Arun Projects Following Himalayan Flash Floods. Top SJVN management led by CMD Bhupender Gupta Inspectec the projects.
SHIMLA/KATHMANDU:
In the wake of the catastrophic rock-and-ice avalanche and flash flood disaster near the Rasuwa district on the Nepal-China border—which severely damaged multiple regional energy installations—SJVN Limited has moved swiftly to fast-track its strategic hydroelectric ventures in eastern Nepal.
Demonstrating heightened urgency for climate resilience and timeline adherence, a high-level SJVN delegation led by Chairman & Managing Director Sh. Bhupender Gupta, alongside Director (Finance) Sh. Parthajit De and Director (Projects) Sh. Rajesh Kumar Chandel, conducted an intensive on-site assessment of the flagship 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project.
The leadership closely reviewed critical infrastructure fronts, including the dam and powerhouse sites, to ensure robust technical safety benchmarks are met.
Crucially, the visit also laid the groundwork for the downstream 669 MW Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project. Management inspected the site to oversee preparations for formally launching major construction activities targeted for November 2026.
Interacting with project personnel from SJVN, SAPDC, and SLPDC, the CMD lauded the workforce for maintaining momentum under grueling Himalayan terrain conditions.
During subsequent high-level reviews with executing contractors, Sh. Gupta strongly emphasized the need for upgraded risk mitigation, proactive site-level constraint management, and tightened resource mobilization to prevent delays.
Both the Arun-3 and Lower Arun initiatives remain vital cornerstones of cross-border clean energy cooperation between India and Nepal, with SJVN reinforcing its unwavering dedication to regional energy security and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
Earlier Sh. Bhupender Gupta, held a series of high-level meetings in Kathmandu to accelerate the execution of the company’s strategic hydropower projects in Nepal.
Sh. Gupta met with Nepal’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Swarnim Wagle; Minister of Energy, Water Resources & Irrigation, Sh. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha; and Investment Board Nepal CEO, Ms. Yanki Ukyab, alongside other senior officials.
He was accompanied by SJVN Director (Finance) Sh. Parthajit De, Director (Projects) Sh. Rajesh Kumar Chandel, and SAPDC & SLPDC CEO Sh. Pankaj Chaudhary.
Highlights of the Discussions were Arun-3 HEP (900 MW): Focus on expediting remaining project works and resolving land and forest clearance bottlenecks affecting the associated 217 km transmission line.
Lower Arun HEP (669 MW): Securing necessary approvals to advance pre-construction activities.
Bilateral Collaboration: Both the Government of Nepal and SJVN management emphasized coordinated institutional efforts to overcome project challenges and ensure timely delivery, reinforcing India-Nepal energy cooperation and regional energy security.
Villages, Hydropower Projects were washed away near Tibet border in the catastrophic flash floods that destroyed over 15 power projects.
