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NHPC’s Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project Achieves Full Commercial Operation

NHPC has officially commenced power generation from all four units of its Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project, with the fourth and final 200 MW unit starting commercial operation on 16 April 2025. This follows the operationalization of the first three units earlier on 1 April 2025, marking the successful completion of the 800 MW project located in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh.

Parbati-II is a run-of-the-river project utilizing the Parbati River, featuring an 83.7 m high dam at Pulga and a 31.56 km long Head Race Tunnel (HRT)—the longest hydropower tunnel in India—leading to the powerhouse at Siund in Sainj Valley. With a gross head of 863 m and contributions from five additional Nallahs, the project drives four Pelton turbines of 200 MW each. It also boasts the world’s longest inclined pressure shaft tunnels, each 1545.5 m long, excavated using TBMs.

The project is expected to generate 3,074 Million Units (MU) annually and will also boost output from the adjacent Parbati-III Power Station by an additional 1,262 MU/year. Himachal Pradesh will benefit from 13% free power (12% for the state and 1% for local area development).

Launched in 1999 and approved in 2002, the project faced decades of delays due to harsh terrain and extreme natural challenges, including cloudbursts, floods, and complex geology. Despite these hurdles, NHPC persisted and completed the project at an estimated cost of Rs13,045 crore, a testament to its engineering resilience and commitment to clean energy.