Cabinet Approves Rs. 1939 Crore Heo Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Nov. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved an investment of Rs. 1939 crore for the construction of the Heo Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in the Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh. The project, with an installed capacity of 240 MW (3 x 80 MW), is expected to generate 1000 Million Units (MU) of energy and will help improve the power supply in the state while contributing to the balancing of the national grid.

The project will be implemented through a Joint Venture Company between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The Government of India will provide Rs. 127.28 crore in budgetary support for constructing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and transmission lines. Additionally, Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 130.43 crore will be allocated towards the equity share of the state.

Arunachal Pradesh will benefit from 12% free power and 1% of the energy generated will be allocated to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF). The project is expected to bring significant infrastructure improvements and socio-economic development to the region.

In line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the project will also support local enterprises and MSMEs. It will create employment opportunities, with around 200 personnel from NEEPCO and 400 workers from the contractor during the construction phase. Additionally, various indirect employment opportunities will arise through small contracts and services. The project is expected to boost employment in sectors such as transportation, tourism, and small-scale businesses during its development and operation.