India to triple hydropower projects

An ambitious target for India.

Considering that the yearly hydel capacity addition mark had to be scaled down by nearly half during the third quarter of the current fiscal, India is targetting another 2,639 MW capacity from nationwide hydel projects during FY 2013-14.

This is triple the capacity that is expected to be added during the ongoing year. 

One of the biggest projects that is likely to come up in FY 2013-14 is NTPC's 800 MW Koldam project in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, the commissioning of NHPC's 520 MW Parbati-III HEP is scheduled for the same year.

Only one project unit of state-run Tangedco's Bhawani Kattlai-III HEP is in the list of projects for benefits during 2013-14.

The private sector is expected to make a contribution of 845 MW, or more than this year's capacity addition target. GVK Industries' 330 MW Shrinagar HEP and SMHCL's 240 MW Maheshwari HEP are two projects currently under construction.