Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private firm to restart the long-stalled 144 MW Gongri hydroelectric project in West Kameng district, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein announced on Tuesday.
The Gongri project, near Dirang town on the Gongri River, is one of several hydropower initiatives delayed due to previous implementation issues.
According to Mein, this project is the first to be revived under the state’s new policy aimed at restoring long-pending and terminated hydropower projects.
“The MoU signing demonstrates our commitment to revive stalled hydropower projects through innovative policies and strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s energy sector,” said Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolios.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 1,700 crore, will be executed under the BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model with a 40-year lease, after which ownership will transfer to the state government.
Patel Engineering Limited, the developer, has committed to complete the project within 48 months of re-allotment, targeting commissioning by December 2029.
Mein said the revival of the Gongri project is a major step toward unlocking stalled hydropower potential, enhancing energy security, and sending a strong signal of policy stability and investor confidence while promoting sustainable hydropower development.
Mein, on Thursday, also reviewed the progress of small hydropower projects by the Hydropower Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Limited (HPDCAPL), including ongoing and proposed projects across the state.
The assessment covered key projects such as the Sumbachu hydro project and Taksang Chu project in Tawang district, focusing on construction progress, electro-mechanical work, inter-departmental coordination, and site-specific challenges.
Officials said the review also examined other small hydropower projects allotted to HPDCAPL and discussed measures to speed up implementation with environmental responsibility and local participation.
This is part of the state government’s plan to support HPDCAPL, expand clean and decentralized energy generation, and maintain long-term energy security through hydropower development.