India’s largest hydropower project, the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, has achieved a significant milestone as one of its eight units begins a test run. The project, located on the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border, is a critical part of India’s renewable energy expansion and is expected to provide a substantial boost to the North-East power grid.

Developed by NHPC Limited, the Subansiri Lower project faced multiple challenges since its inception. Work on the project was suspended for several years due to local protests and environmental concerns, delaying its commissioning. However, with construction now back on track, the project is moving steadily towards full operational status, marking an important achievement in India’s sustainable energy sector.

Once fully operational, the project will generate 2,000 megawatts of clean electricity, significantly enhancing India’s renewable energy capacity and supporting the country’s goal of carbon-neutral power generation. It will also play a vital role in regional development, supplying electricity to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and neighboring states, while creating employment opportunities and improving local infrastructure.

The ongoing test run of the first unit demonstrates that the project is nearing commissioning, signaling that India is closer to operationalizing its largest hydropower facility. This milestone reflects the government’s focus on energy security, renewable energy growth, and sustainable development in the North-East region.

In summary, the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is not only a landmark achievement in India’s hydropower sector, but also a key step toward strengthening the country’s renewable energy portfolio, ensuring sustainable electricity supply, and supporting long-term economic and regional growth.