Mizoram Chief Minister Inaugurates 24-MW Tuirini Hydro Power Project
Chief Minister Lalduhoma officially launched the Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project on Monday. He performed the foundation stone-laying ceremony on the banks of the Tuirini river near Sesawng village in Aizawl district.
Key Officials Attend the Ceremony
State Home Minister K Sapdanga joined the event as the guest of honour. Power and Electricity Minister F Rodingliana chaired the formal ceremony. Both ministers participated in the program alongside other government officials.
Project Funding and Implementation Details
The 24-megawatt hydro project will operate as an externally aided initiative. Its total estimated cost reaches Rs 676.98 crore. The New Development Bank based in Shanghai will provide the primary funding through a loan arrangement.
Under this financial structure, the central government will cover eighty percent of the project cost as a loan. The Mizoram state government will contribute the remaining twenty percent share. Project completion is scheduled within a five-year timeframe.
Approval Process and Timeline
The Power and Electricity Department first submitted the project proposal to the state government on February 5, 2024. The state-level screening committee granted its approval on April 4, 2024.
Subsequently, the Department of Economic Affairs screening committee approved the external funding component on February 28, 2025. This clearance enabled the project to move forward with international financial support.
CM Praises Power Department Efforts
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Lalduhoma commended the dedication of Power Minister Rodingliana and department officials. He highlighted their commitment to strengthening Mizoram's power generation capacity through multiple projects.
Lalduhoma noted that the 10-MW Thenzawl Solar Power Plant began operations just last month. He also mentioned ongoing construction of a 5-MW Solar Power Plant at Sumsuih location. Approximately twenty percent of work is already complete at the Sumsuih site.
Both solar projects represent fully state-owned initiatives of the Mizoram government. They demonstrate the state's diversified approach to renewable energy development.
Updates on Tuivai Hydro-Electric Project
The Chief Minister also provided updates about the proposed Tuivai hydro-electric project near the Manipur border. The Central Water Commission originally planned this project with 210 MW capacity.
However, authorities revised the capacity downward to 132 MW due to concerns about submerging areas in neighboring Manipur. The Department of Economic Affairs under the Finance Ministry has approved several preparatory steps.
These include preparation of the Detailed Project Report, selection of a private developer, tender issuance, and agreement signing by the state government. The government has sanctioned Rs 2.3 crore specifically for appointing a transaction adviser.
Authorities have engaged Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the transaction adviser for this process. Their expertise will guide the project through its development phases.
The Tuirini project represents another significant step in Mizoram's energy infrastructure development. It follows recent solar power initiatives and complements ongoing hydro-electric planning across the state.
