State-of-the-art control room inaugurated for Subansiri project

Dibrugarh: The 2,000-MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project reached a major milestone on Saturday as NHPC chairperson and managing director RK Chaudhary inaugurated its state-of-the-art dam control room. Positioned as one of India's most advanced hydropower control centres, the facility marks significant progress for the long-delayed project.

Unveiled in a ceremony attended by the executive director, head of project (HOP), and senior officials at the Gerukamukh site on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, the control room will serve as the project's nerve centre. "This high-tech control room represents India's cutting-edge hydropower technology, enabling precise monitoring and water flow control for operational efficiency and safety," said Chaudhary.

Additionally, NHPC announced the completion of the civil works for the water conductor system, spanning 12.5km. This system includes eight head race tunnels (7,102 metres), surge tunnels (3,545 metres), and vertical and horizontal shafts -- all integral to powering the eight 250-MW units.

"The completed water conductor system ensures the timely commissioning of three units by May 2025, with the remaining units following soon after," Chaudhary added, commending the NHPC team and its partner agencies M/s BGS-SGS-SOMA Joint Venture and M/s Patel Engineering Ltd.

The Subansiri project, approved in 2003 with an initial target completion date of 2014, has faced numerous challenges. Protests by anti-dam groups halted construction in Dec 2011 after 50% of the work was completed. The project remained stalled for eight years until construction resumed in Oct 2019, following National Green Tribunal (NGT) clearance.

Unlike conventional dams, the Subansiri Lower Project employs run-of-the-river technology, utilising flowing water instead of large reservoirs. Located 2.3km upstream of the Subansiri river in Arunachal Pradesh, the project spans both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Energy experts suggest that the fully operational project will significantly enhance India's renewable energy capacity and boost electricity access in the northeastern region.

With three units set to go online by May 2025, the Subansiri project is back on track after nearly two decades of challenges and delays.