India accelerates clean energy growth as Prime Minister Narendra Modi approves major hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, boosting Northeast development, strengthening energy security, and creating infrastructure, jobs, and sustainable economic opportunities across remote regions.
India has taken a significant step toward strengthening its clean energy ecosystem and accelerating development in the Northeast, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing major hydropower investments in Arunachal Pradesh.
The announcement follows the approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, of two major hydroelectric projects with a combined investment exceeding Rs 40,000 crore. These projects are expected to transform the region’s energy landscape while driving infrastructure development and economic growth.
The first project, the Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project, has been approved with an investment of Rs 14,105.83 crore. It will be constructed on the Lohit River in Anjaw district and is expected to have a generation capacity of 1,200 MW. The project is slated for completion within 78 months and is seen as a major step toward improving grid stability and energy availability in remote regions.
In addition, the government has cleared the Kamala Hydro Electric Project, a much larger initiative with an investment of Rs 26,069.50 crore. Spanning multiple districts including Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey, the project will have a capacity of 1,720 MW and is expected to be completed within 96 months.
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the broader vision behind these investments. He stated that the projects would not only strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem but also ensure integrated development across Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on power, infrastructure, and community welfare.
He further described the Kalai-II project as a “major boost” to clean energy and regional development, highlighting its potential to enhance power supply, create infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities.
Reacting to the announcement, Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for approving the projects. He noted that the Kalai-II project would significantly strengthen power infrastructure while contributing to economic growth and job creation in Anjaw district.
Khandu also highlighted the importance of the Kamala Hydro Electric Project, stating that it would play a critical role in enhancing India’s energy security while improving livelihoods in some of the most remote districts of the state. According to him, these projects represent a turning point in unlocking Arunachal Pradesh’s vast natural resource potential.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the importance of hydropower development in achieving long-term sustainability and regional progress.
The developments come amid a broader push to harness the hydropower potential of the Northeast, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, which is estimated to have one of the highest untapped hydroelectric capacities in India. State leaders have repeatedly emphasized the need to convert natural resources into sustainable revenue streams through well-defined policies.
Meanwhile, officials from National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) indicated that another major project—the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project—is expected to generate 2,000 MW of power by December 2026. Initiated in 2001, the project has faced multiple delays due to protests and logistical challenges but has recently regained momentum.
Once completed, the Subansiri project is set to become the largest hydroelectric project in India and a key pillar of the country’s “Viksit Bharat” vision. Officials noted that a significant portion of its machinery is already operational, signaling steady progress.
In addition to these projects, nearly 19,000–20,000 MW of hydropower capacity is currently under various stages of development across Arunachal Pradesh. This underscores the region’s growing importance in India’s renewable energy strategy.
Experts believe that these large-scale investments will not only help India meet its clean energy targets but also bring transformative socio-economic changes to the Northeast. Improved connectivity, employment generation, and enhanced infrastructure are expected to uplift local communities while integrating the region more closely with the national economy.
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With these approvals, the government has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development, positioning hydropower as a cornerstone of India’s clean energy future while ensuring that the benefits of growth reach even the most remote corners of the country.
