Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Pushpa Kamal Dahal triggered the final blast to signify the completion of the 11.8 km Head Race Tunnel excavation for the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in the Sankhuwasabha District. This project is being developed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), a subsidiary of SJVN, in collaboration with the Government of Nepal and aims to improve regional energy security and promote economic development through sustainable hydropower generation in the Arun River Basin. SJVN is currently executing 2,200 MW across three hydroelectric projects in the Arun River basin in Nepal.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that this milestone brings the project closer to providing clean, renewable energy and fostering the region’s sustainable development. He expressed gratitude for the efforts and reiterated the Nepalese government’s commitment to the timely completion of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project.
India’s Ambassador, Shri Naveen Srivastava, recalled the agreement between the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal on a long-term power trade agreement for importing electricity from Nepal. He noted that completing the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project, which is geared towards export, will be a significant milestone.
SJVN CMD, Shri Sushil Sharma, informed the Prime Minister that the tunnel breakthrough is a crucial milestone in the construction of the Arun-3 project. He highlighted that over 74% of the project is complete, with the remaining work progressing swiftly. The project is expected to generate 3,924 million units of electricity annually upon completion next year.
The CMD expressed gratitude for the support from the Nepalese government, local authorities, and the community, underscoring the project as a symbol of strong Indo-Nepal energy sector collaboration and joint efforts towards energy security and environmental sustainability.
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