In a landmark achievement for India's renewable energy sector, the nation's largest hydropower project has finally commenced operations following a prolonged construction period of two decades. The historic milestone was marked by the virtual inauguration of the project's first 250 MW unit from New Delhi.
A Long-Awaited Power Boost
The mega project is strategically located at Gerukamukh, a site situated along the border shared by the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It harnesses the mighty flow of the Subansiri river, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. The virtual inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Union Minister of Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, on 23 December 2025.
This event signifies the culmination of extensive engineering efforts and planning that spanned over 20 years. The activation of this unit is a critical step towards enhancing the power infrastructure in the northeastern region of India, which has long awaited a stable and substantial clean energy source.
Strategic Importance and Regional Impact
The operationalization of this hydropower project is expected to have a transformative impact on the power grid in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. By generating 250 MW of clean electricity, it will contribute significantly to meeting the growing energy demands of the region while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The project's location on the inter-state border makes it a symbol of collaborative development. It is poised to boost economic activity, support industrial growth, and provide more reliable electricity to households and businesses in both states. The focus on hydropower aligns with India's broader national objectives of increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix and achieving energy security.
Future Prospects and Clean Energy Goals
The successful launch of the first unit paves the way for the full commissioning of the entire project, which is designed for a much larger total capacity. This development is a cornerstone in the government's strategy to tap into the vast hydropower potential of the Himalayan rivers.
Experts highlight that such large-scale infrastructure projects not only generate power but also create employment opportunities and foster ancillary industries in the region. The Subansiri hydropower project stands as a testament to India's commitment to sustainable development and its pursuit of energy independence through indigenous resources.
As the turbines begin to spin at Gerukamukh, a new chapter in India's energy narrative begins, promising a brighter, more powered future for the Northeast and strengthening the country's green energy portfolio.
