Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed that the 450 MW Shongtong-Karcham hydroelectric project in Kinnaur district be completed by November 2026. During a site inspection on 09 June, 2025, he visited the project’s power house at Karcham and the barrage site at Powari, interacting with engineers and workers.

The CM emphasised that the long-delayed project, under construction for 13 years, has been fast-tracked by the current administration and is now on schedule for timely completion.

Once commissioned, the project is expected to generate annual revenue of about Rs 1,000 crore, significantly boosting the state's economy. The CM highlighted the government’s commitment to harnessing river water resources efficiently, and revealed plans to assume control of other major hydro projects such as Dhaulasidh, Luhri, and Sunni.

The CM further outlined future energy initiatives, including the establishment of a geothermal power project at Tapri and investments in solar and green hydrogen energy to diversify the state's energy portfolio.