Arunachal Pradesh has moved to unlock long-stalled hydropower capacity by signing an agreement to revive the 144 MW Gongri hydroelectric project in West Kameng district, marking the first restoration under the state’s new policy for terminated power projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on Friday that the state government had inked a memorandum of understanding with Patel Engineering Limited to take forward the long-pending Gongri project, which had been stalled due to delays by the earlier implementing agency.
Announcing the development in a post on X, Mein said the agreement underscored the government’s intent to bring abandoned projects back on track. “The signing of the MoU reflects our firm commitment to revive stalled hydropower projects through innovative policy interventions and to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh's energy landscape,” he said.
Located near Dirang town on the Gongri River, the project involves an estimated investment of ₹1,700 crore. It will be implemented under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model, with a lease period of 40 years, after which ownership will revert to the Arunachal Pradesh government.
Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolios, said the developer has committed to restoring and commissioning the project within 48 months from re-allotment, with commissioning targeted for December 2029.
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“This milestone marks a significant step towards unlocking stalled hydropower potential and reinforcing long-term energy security for the state,” he added.
The deputy chief minister said the revival of the Gongri project sends a strong signal of policy stability and renewed investor confidence, while ensuring that hydropower development in the state remains responsible and sustainable.
Separately, Mein on Thursday reviewed the progress of small hydropower projects being implemented by the Hydropower Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited, focusing on both ongoing and proposed initiatives across the state.
Officials said the review included a detailed assessment of strategically important projects such as the Sumbachu and Taksang Chu hydropower projects in Tawang district. The discussions covered construction status, electro-mechanical works, inter-departmental coordination and site-specific challenges affecting timelines.
The readiness of other small hydropower projects allotted to the corporation was also examined, along with a roadmap to accelerate implementation while ensuring environmental safeguards and local participation.
Officials said the exercise forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the state-run corporation as a key implementing agency for decentralised hydropower generation and to reinforce Arunachal Pradesh’s long-term energy security through clean and sustainable power development.
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