India approves over $4 billion investment for two hydro-electric projects in Arunachal Pradesh

NHPC

08/04/2026 14:25

MUMBAI, April 8 (Reuters) - India has approved investment of over $4 billion for the construction of two hydro-electric projects along the Brahmaputra river in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh as demand for power rises, the government said on Wednesday.

Here are some details:

The proposed 1720 MW Kamala project, worth 260.7 billion Indian rupees ($2.83 billion), is a joint venture between NHPC Ltd NHPC.NS and the Arunachal Pradesh government.

The 1200 MW Kalai-II project, with a total cost of 141.06 billion rupees, is a joint venture between THDC India Ltd THDC.BO and the local government.

New Delhi expects the projects to be completed within six to eight years.

The Brahmaputra River, which rises in Tibet and flows through India and Bangladesh, holds significant hydro potential along its Indian stretch, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh on the Chinese border.

The basin's transboundary nature and proximity to China make water management and infrastructure planning a strategic concern, with India fearing that an upriver Chinese dam on the Yarlung Zangbo could cut dry‑season flows on the Indian side by up to 85%.

India last year announced a $77 billion transmission plan to move more than 76 GW of hydroelectric capacity from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047.

India aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by having 500 GW of non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030 and becoming net zero by 2070.

($1 = 92.2650 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Shanima Aniyeri in Mumbai; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

((shanima.a@thomsonreuters.com; (Direct: +91 72 5956 7774))