Subansiri: India's 2,000 MW Power Dream Awakens

India’s largest hydropower project, the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, situated on the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border, has entered its test run phase, marking a major milestone toward full commissioning.

According to NHPC officials, the wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit began on October 24, 2025. This process involves testing the turbine with controlled water flow to verify its operational performance before initiating electricity generation. Four of the project’s eight units are ready for similar trials, and power generation will commence once two units are successfully synchronised.

Launched in 2005, the project encountered a prolonged suspension between 2011 and 2019 due to environmental concerns raised in Assam. Construction resumed following intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and the adoption of enhanced safety and environmental mitigation measures by NHPC.

NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupender Gupta described the development as a landmark achievement in India’s journey toward clean and self-reliant energy, highlighting the project’s crucial role in strengthening the nation’s renewable power capacity.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.