Power and Hydropower
J&K's rivers give the UT huge hydropower potential, but only about a quarter has been harnessed.
Potential and installed capacity
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated potential | 18,000 MW |
| Identified potential | 14,867 MW |
| Harnessed | 3,540.15 MW (23.81%) in 31 projects |
| Central sector (NHPC) | 2,250 MW (6 projects) |
| State sector (JKPDC) | 1,197.40 MW (13 projects) |
| Private / IPP | 92.75 MW (12 projects) |
Main operating projects
| Project | River | MW | District | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baglihar | Chenab | 900 | Ramban | JKPDC (State) |
| Salal | Chenab | 690 | Reasi | NHPC |
| Uri-I | Jhelum | 480 | Baramulla | NHPC |
| Dulhasti | Chenab | 390 | Kishtwar | NHPC |
| Kishanganga | Kishanganga (Neelum) | 330 | Bandipora | NHPC |
| Uri-II | Jhelum | 240 | Baramulla | NHPC |
| Sewa-II | Sewa | 120 | Kathua | NHPC |
Under construction (four projects, 3,014 MW)
| Project | MW | Cost (Rs crore) | Target (as told to Parliament) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakal Dul (Marusudar) | 1,000 | 12,728 | December 2026 |
| Ratle (Chenab, Kishtwar) | 850 | 5,282 | November 2028 |
| Kiru (Chenab) | 624 | 5,409 | December 2026 |
| Kwar (Chenab) | 540 | 4,526 | March 2028 |
Combined cost Rs 27,945 crore. The Economic Survey says generation capacity will be doubled by 2028. Sawalkot (1,856 MW) on the Chenab (NHPC) is planned; clearances are in progress.
Power distribution
- Transmission and distribution capacity: 34,839 MVA, 1,76,601 circuit km, up 44% since 2020.
- Consumers: about 24.59 lakh.
- Per capita consumption: 1,488 kWh (from 1,171 kWh in nine years).
- Smart meters: 11.71 lakh installed against about 21 lakh target; the Budget aims at 100% smart metering in urban areas by December 2026.
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from the J&K Economic Survey 2025-26, J&K Budget 2026-27, PRS Legislative Research, NITI Aayog and replies in Parliament and the Legislative Assembly. Figures are advance estimates or latest available and official replies sometimes differ, so check the latest Economic Survey and Budget before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.