The under-construction 2,880 MW Dibang multipurpose hydel project in Arunachal Pradesh reached a major milestone on Tuesday with the successful daylighting of Diversion Tunnel-3 (DT-3).
Officials confirmed that NHPC Limited Director (Projects) Sanjay Kumar Singh triggered the final blast to complete the tunnel breakthrough. The achievement marks a crucial step forward in the execution of one of India’s largest hydropower projects.
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Boost to Construction Progress
The successful completion of Diversion Tunnel-3 will enable smoother diversion of the Dibang River. As a result, construction activities at the project site are expected to accelerate in the coming months.
The project is located in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. It plays a strategic role in strengthening India’s renewable energy capacity and infrastructure development in the Northeast.
Officials stated that diversion tunnels are essential components of hydropower projects. They help redirect river flow during dam construction, ensuring both safety and efficiency at the site. Therefore, the daylighting of DT-3 represents a significant engineering accomplishment.
Power Generation Capacity
The Dibang project is being developed by NHPC and has an installed capacity of 2,880 MW. It comprises 12 generating units of 240 MW each. Once completed, the project is expected to generate more than 11,000 million units of electricity annually.
This large-scale power generation will significantly contribute to the national grid. Moreover, it will strengthen energy security and promote sustainable development in the region.
Flood Moderation and Water Storage Benefits
In addition to electricity generation, the Dibang multipurpose project will offer flood moderation benefits for the Brahmaputra basin. By regulating water flow, the project aims to reduce the impact of floods downstream.
Furthermore, the dam will enhance regional water storage capacity. This will support long-term water management and environmental stability in the Northeast.
Strengthening Renewable Energy Infrastructure
The breakthrough of Diversion Tunnel-3 highlights steady progress in the construction of the Dibang hydel project. With each milestone, the project moves closer to completion.
Once operational, it will become one of the largest hydropower projects in India. It will not only boost clean energy production but also support regional development and infrastructure growth in Arunachal Pradesh.
The successful tunnel breakthrough underscores NHPC’s continued efforts to advance renewable energy initiatives and strengthen India’s hydropower sector.
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