Indian Minister for Power and Housing Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, visited the Arun-III Hydropower Project in Nepal during his official trip, underscoring growing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. The project, supported by India, is being developed in the Sankhuwasabha district.
“Shri Manohar Lal @mlkhattar, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing Affairs and Mr. Dipak Khadka @DKhadka1975, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal, jointly visited the 900 MW Arun-3 hydropower project being developed by @SjvnLimited. They reviewed progress, discussed ways to resolve bottlenecks and launched electromechanical works at the powerhouse,” the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced in a tweet.
In a post shared by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, it was noted that the two ministers jointly reviewed the progress of the Arun-3 project, discussed ways to address existing challenges, and officially launched the electromechanical works at the powerhouse.
Khattar’s visit follows an invitation extended by Minister Khadka during his visit to India on February 12, 2025. As part of the current visit, the Indian minister is scheduled to assess various components of the Arun-3 project, including the powerhouse and dam areas. SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC), a subsidiary of SJVN, is managing the construction.
The project has made significant strides, with most of the structural work nearing completion. Alongside Arun-3, SJVN’s subsidiary is also developing the 669 MW Lower Arun Hydropower Project, further strengthening India-Nepal collaboration in the energy sector.
In addition to project inspections, Ministers Khattar and Khadka will jointly inaugurate several key components of the Koshi Corridor 220 kV transmission line. This includes the Inaruwa-Basantapur-Baneshwor-Tumlingtar line, and three substations at Tumlingtar, Baneshwor, and Basantapur. These facilities, constructed with Indian support, mark a major upgrade in Nepal’s power infrastructure.
The two ministers are also expected to sign an agreement to move forward with a new transmission line project that will be funded through joint investment by India and Nepal. Discussions will also cover future Indian investments in additional hydropower ventures.
As part of his visit, Minister Khattar will travel to the sacred Muktinath Temple in Mustang on April 23. He is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Ministers, and other senior government officials.
