India’s 2000MW Subansiri Lower hydroelectric project has commissioned two of its eight generating units, with the remaining capacity scheduled to come online in phases through December 2026, the Ministry of Power said.
The project, located on the Subansiri River at the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border and developed by NHPC Ltd, consists of eight units of 250MW each. Electricity from the first two units is already being supplied to project beneficiaries.
Once fully operational, the Subansiri Lower hydroelectric plant is expected to generate around 7,422 million units annually, contributing to India’s renewable energy output. The project is also designed to provide flood moderation in the Brahmaputra Valley and support grid stability by balancing variable renewable sources such as solar and wind, as well as supplying peaking power.
The government said the project has obtained required environmental and forest clearances. Riverbank protection and erosion control works have been carried out downstream, and dam safety measures are being implemented in line with the Dam Safety Act, 2021 under the oversight of the National Dam Safety Authority.
NHPC reported that around 7000 local workers have been employed during construction. The company is also implementing corporate social responsibility programmes covering education, healthcare, sanitation, skill development and rural development. Livelihood initiatives targeting about 5,000 women have been introduced, alongside infrastructure improvements including roads and bridges to enhance local connectivity.
The update was provided by Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
