NHPC Declares Full Commercial Operation of Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project

NHPC Limited has declared commercial operation of Unit 4 (200 MW) of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh. The unit became operational on April 16, 2025. With this, all 4 units, each of 200 MW capacity, are now commercially operational. Units 1, 2, and 3 had already begun operations on April 1, 2025.

As of 9:37 am on April 16, 2025, NHPC share price was trading at ₹85.84, up 0.49%, but down 2.44% over the past six months and 5.88% over the past year.

Project Capacity and Location

The total installed capacity of the project is 800 MW. It is located in the Kullu district and is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with minor pondage. The project diverts water from the Parbati River using an 83.7-metre-high concrete gravity dam near Pulga, which then flows through a 31.56-kilometre head race tunnel to the powerhouse at Siund. The tunnel is the longest of its kind in India.

Technical Specifications

The project uses a gross head of 862.5 metres. It includes four vertical Pelton turbines of 200 MW each. Two inclined pressure shafts, each measuring 1,545.5 metres, are the longest such shafts in the world, constructed with Tunnel Boring Machines. Additional water from five nallahs along the tunnel route increases the total flow.

Construction Timeline and Costs

Construction began in 2002. The foundation stone was laid in 1999. The project faced several delays due to natural challenges such as cloudbursts, floods, and geological issues. The total cost is estimated at ₹13,045 crore. Design energy stands at 3,074 million units annually.

State Allocation and Local Initiatives

Himachal Pradesh will receive 12% of the generated power free of cost, with another 1% allocated for local area development. NHPC has developed about 88 km of roads and 15 bridges in the project area. Around ₹112 crore has been spent on infrastructure and ₹27.83 crore on CSR activities, including health and education.

1,361 people were employed during construction, with 1,171 from the state. 349 people are currently engaged indirectly, and 98% are locals. Permanent jobs have been given to 20 individuals from affected families.

Conclusion

With a current installed power generation capacity of 7,833 MW, encompassing hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy, the company also has a substantial pipeline of 16 projects under construction, representing an additional 10,204 MW. The launch of the Parbati-II project is a noteworthy achievement for NHPC as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

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