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In a significant stride toward strengthening cross-border energy cooperation, India’s Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Nepal’s Energy Minister Shri Deepak Khadka jointly visited the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project, currently under construction in Nepal. The project, a flagship initiative of regional collaboration, is being executed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s SJVN.
The high-level delegation was warmly received in Kathmandu by Shri R K Chaudhary, CMD (Addl. Charge), SJVN, who accompanied the Ministers to the project site. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Shri Naveen Shrivastava; Nepal’s Energy Secretary, Shri Suresh Acharya; India’s Additional Power Secretary, Shri Akash Tripathi; and Investment Board Nepal CEO, Shri Sushil Gyawali, also joined the visit.
During their inspection, the Ministers toured key components of the project including the powerhouse where turbine installation is actively underway. SAPDC CEO Shri Prashant Sharma presented a detailed update on the progress. Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction, the Ministers jointly launched the Electro-mechanical works for Unit #2, marking a new milestone in the project’s timeline.
The delegation also assessed progress at the dam site and inspected the 11.7 km Head Race Tunnel (HRT) through Adit 1. Notably, HRT excavation was successfully completed in June 2024 and marked by a ceremonial event led by Nepal’s then Prime Minister. Currently, benching and lining works are progressing steadily.
Both Ministers urged project teams to maintain momentum and prioritize dam construction efforts to achieve early commissioning. Their visit underscores the deepening India-Nepal energy partnership and the shared commitment to clean, sustainable power development in the region.
