Energy Ministers of Nepal and India inspect Arun III Project

KATHMANDU, APRIL 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and visiting Indian Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar today jointly inspected the Arun III Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha.

Indian Minister Khattar, who began a two-day visit to Nepal today, accompanied Minister Khadka on a site visit to the powerhouse and dam of the Arun III Hydropower Project, which is under construction with Indian investment. During the visit, they jointly inaugurated 'Unit-2' of the project and participated in a tree-planting ceremony on the project premises.  

The two ministers received updates from the contractor regarding the project's progress and the challenges encountered.  

Energy Minister Khadka expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its support in Nepal's energy sector development. "As Arun III is a crucial hydropower project for the country, the government has accorded it high priority and will ensure its timely completion," Minister Khadka stated.  

Indian Power Minister Khattar emphasized Nepal's significant hydropower potential and the potential for prosperity through the energy sector. He stressed the importance of completing the Arun III Hydropower Project on schedule, highlighting its mutual benefits for both nations. Minister Khattar also indicated the Indian government's readiness for further investment in Nepal's hydropower sector.

Located on the border of Makalu and Chichila rural municipalities in Sankhuwasabha, the Arun III Hydropower Project has a capacity of 900 megawatts. The project's foundation stone was jointly laid in Baisakh 2075 BS by then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian Sutlej Hydropower Company is undertaking the construction at an estimated cost of NPR 104 billion.