Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, marked a significant milestone by triggering the last blast for the completion of the 11.8 km Head Race Tunnel of the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project in Sankhuwasabha District. This project, managed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Pvt. Ltd. (SAPDC), a subsidiary of SJVN, is a collaborative effort between SJVN and the Government of Nepal, aimed at enhancing regional energy security and economic development through sustainable hydropower in the Arun River Basin.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Shri Shakti Bahadur Basnet; Health Minister of Province 1, Shri Rajender Karki; India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Shri Naveen Srivastava; SJVN’s CMD, Shri Sushil Sharma; CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal, Shri Sushil Bhatta; CEO of SAPDC, Shri Arun Dhiman; and other officials.
In his address, Prime Minister Dahal highlighted the project’s role in providing clean, renewable energy and fostering regional development. India’s Ambassador, Shri Srivastava, emphasized the significance of the long-term power trade agreement between India and Nepal, and the importance of the Arun-3 project in this context.
CMD of SJVN, Shri Sushil Sharma, updated on the progress, noting the Head Race Tunnel’s completion as a major milestone. With over 74% of the project completed, the remaining work is progressing rapidly, aiming to start electricity generation next year, potentially producing 3,924 million units annually.
The project underscores the strong partnership between India and Nepal in the energy sector, contributing to energy security and environmental sustainability. During his visit, CMD Sharma also met with Nepal’s Chief Secretary, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, and Home Secretary, Shri Eaknarayan Aryal, discussing further hydroelectric developments in the Arun Valley. SJVN is currently working on 2,200 MW of hydro projects in the region.
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