The Governments of Bhutan and India signed an agreement for the first joint venture hydropower project between Bhutan and India. This agreement covers the construction of the 600 megawatt Kholongchhu hydropower project in Bhutan.

The run-of-the-river Kholongchhu hydropower project is located on the lower section of the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. The project includes an underground powerhouse of four 150 MW turbines with water impounded by a concrete gravity dam of 95 metres height.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Government of India, and Mr. Tandi Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bhutan, through a video link. Both ministers highlighted the importance of hydropower development between Bhutan and India at the event, and described the project as mutually beneficial.

The Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited is a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation of Bhutan and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited of India.

The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

Related Link:

India, Bhutan sign pact for first joint venture hydropower project