India-Nepal Energy Synergy: Power Secretary Reviews Progress of SJVN’s Flagship 900 MW Arun-3 Hydropower Project
High-level delegation inspects crucial powerhouse and dam sites; appreciates construction pace in challenging Himalayan terrain
VIDYA SAGAR
SHIMLA / KATHMANDU, 16 JULY 2026
In a major push toward strengthening cross-border energy cooperation, Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India, today conducted a comprehensive, high-level review of the ongoing works at the 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project (Arun-3 HEP) in Nepal.
This strategically vital mega-project is being executed by India’s public sector undertaking, SJVN Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC).
A High-Profile Bilateral Delegation
Reflecting the bilateral importance of the project, the Power Secretary was accompanied by an elite delegation of top diplomats and energy administrators, including:
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Shri Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal
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Shri Ghanashyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
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Shri Diwakar Nath Misra, Additional Secretary (Hydro), Ministry of Power
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Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Transmission), Ministry of Power
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Shri Rajesh Kumar Chandel, Director (Projects), SJVN
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Senior representatives from the Embassy of India in Nepal, CEA, SJVN, and SAPDC.
On-Site Inspections: Powerhouse & Dam Sites
The review began with intensive on-site visits to inspect critical components of the hydroelectric setup:
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Underground Powerhouse Site (Pukhuwa): The delegation closely reviewed the progress of complex civil and electro-mechanical installations. Engineers briefed the team on the implementation strategies being used to meet key project milestones.
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Dam Site (Phaksinda): The high-level team inspected major civil works, analyzing the progress of the concrete dam structure, intake arrangements, and auxiliary infrastructure designed to redirect water flow.
Recognition of Engineering Excellence in Challenging Terrains
During the review, Power Secretary Shri Pankaj Agarwal lauded the engineering teams of SJVN and SAPDC for their resilience.
“Executing a project of this magnitude under the unforgiving and highly challenging Himalayan terrain is a monumental task. The progress achieved so far is commendable. The team must sustain this execution momentum while maintaining absolute zero-compromise on safety, build quality, and ecological sustainability.”
— Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Government of India
SJVN’s Director (Projects), Shri Rajesh Kumar Chandel, urged the workforce to stay intensely focused on the targeted commissioning schedule, emphasizing the need to uphold world-class execution standards.
Community & Environmental Commitment
Briefing the visiting delegation, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Executive Officer of SAPDC, presented a detailed status report on various ongoing packages. He highlighted that alongside physical construction, SAPDC is strictly implementing:
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Comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives for local communities.
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Localized community development programmes to uplift the project-affected areas.
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Scientific environmental management measures to minimize ecological impact.
The Strategic Outlook
The 900 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project stands as the crown jewel of India–Nepal bilateral energy cooperation. Once fully operational, it will not only generate massive quantities of clean, renewable energy but will also significantly bolster regional energy security, cementing a long-term economic and infrastructural partnership between the two neighboring nations.
