A double-lane steel truss bridge across the Satluj river at Khaira marks a significant infrastructural milestone under the 382 MW Sunni Dam hydroelectric project. Inaugurated by Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, the structure is positioned to ease project logistics while extending reliable connectivity to remote panchayats spanning Mandi and Shimla districts, regions where access has historically constrained socio-economic progress.
The inauguration formed part of a broader review of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam’s project portfolio across Himachal Pradesh. At the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri hydropower station, performance benchmarks were assessed, while the 412 MW Rampur hydropower station saw sustainability initiatives reinforced through plantation drives. The 210 MW Luhri-1 project was also reviewed, with officials underlining the importance of timely execution and quality standards.
The visit reflects a renewed push at the central level to actively monitor and accelerate India’s hydropower pipeline, a sector increasingly critical to the country’s clean energy ambitions and grid stability as renewable capacity targets grow more demanding.
