Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, visited the Punatsangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project sites during the second day of his official visit to Bhutan, marking key developments in the India-Bhutan hydropower partnership.
At the Punatsangchhu-I project site, the Minister participated in the concrete pouring ceremony for the dam—an important milestone in the project’s construction. As the largest joint hydropower initiative between India and Bhutan, the project is expected to significantly boost Bhutan’s hydropower generation capacity upon completion.
Highlighting the enduring bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, Khattar reaffirmed India’s support through financial assistance and technical collaboration. He commended the coordinated efforts of engineers and technical teams from both countries for ensuring steady and safe project execution. The Minister also inspected the powerhouse facilities and reviewed the implementation status and key milestones achieved so far.
Subsequently, Khattar visited the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project, which was jointly inaugurated on November 11, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The project has since become a vital contributor to Bhutan’s energy sector.
During the visit, the Minister assessed the project’s operational performance, noting its substantial electricity generation and revenue contribution, along with its role in enabling clean power exports to India. He acknowledged the project’s operational efficiency and its positive impact on Bhutan’s economic growth, while reiterating India’s continued commitment to supporting Bhutan’s sustainable energy development. The visit also included inspections of the powerhouse and dam facilities, where officials briefed him on ongoing operations.
In addition to project site visits, Khattar also toured the historic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, known for its cultural and historical significance in Bhutan.
