New Delhi: Moving forward with strategic infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, the ambitious 1,850 MW Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River has officially entered its tendering phase. Five major industry giants, including the Adani Group and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), have submitted their bids for the initial phase of construction.
Stalled for nearly four decades largely due to regional complexities and historical treaty parameters, the mega project carries an estimated overall cost of around Rs 31,000 crore. The initial scope of work, pegged at approximately Rs 5,129 crore, has attracted significant interest from top-tier engineering and construction conglomerates. Alongside Adani and L&T, prominent players like Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), Patel Engineering, and Rithwik Projects have placed their bids for the venture.
The Sawalkot project involves the construction of a massive concrete gravity dam and a sprawling reservoir in the Chenab basin, designed to harness renewable energy potential in the Himalayan region. Once fully operational, the project is expected to substantially boost Jammu and Kashmir’s power generation capacity, improve regional energy security, and create extensive employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases.
Industry analysts note that expediting large-scale hydropower projects on western river basins marks a significant step in reinforcing regional development, providing reliable electricity supply to offset winter shortages, and bolstering local economic activity.