Shimla, April 21: The Himachal Pradesh government has set a new deadline of November 2026 for the completion of the 450 MW Shongtong Hydroelectric Power Project, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced during a review meeting in Shimla.
The project, located in Kinnaur, aims to significantly boost the state’s electricity generation capacity, expected to produce 1,579 million units annually and provide a financial benefit of approximately ₹1,706 crore.
During the meeting, Sukhu directed officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and the energy department to expedite the project’s execution and develop a comprehensive power evacuation plan to prevent financial losses once it becomes operational.
“We must ensure timely execution and prepare to utilize the generated power effectively,” Sukhu said.
In addition to focusing on the Shongtong project, Sukhu raised concerns about reducing power losses and tackling electricity theft across the state.
He called on HPSEBL to implement feeder metering and to conduct a detailed mapping of consumer categories—commercial, industrial, and domestic—to streamline data access and improve operational efficiency.
Sukhu also addressed staffing concerns, instructing that all HPSEBL employees on deputation in the energy department, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation, and Power Corporation be given the option to return to their original postings by April 30.
Civil wing staff members were also offered transfers to the Public Works Department or other sectors.
The Chief Minister assured that the employees’ existing service terms, promotions, and benefits would remain unaffected, with necessary policy amendments to follow.
As part of efforts to strengthen HPSEBL, the state plans to recruit 2,000 T-mates and linemen in the coming months.
Besides, Sukhu ordered the transfer of employees who have been posted in industrial areas for extended periods, aiming to promote greater transparency and accountability.
