Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday laid the foundation stone for a 24-megawatt Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project on the banks of the Tuirini River, marking a major step in the state’s efforts to strengthen power generation and energy self-reliance.
The programme was attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga as the Guest of Honour, while Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana chaired the event. Minister for Information and Public Relations B. Lalchhanzova and MLA Clement Lalhmingthana were also present.
The Tuirini project will be implemented as an Externally Aided Project at a total cost of ₹676.98 crore, funded through a loan from the Shanghai-based New Development Bank.
The project is planned for completion within five years, with 80 per cent of the cost borne by the Central Government and the remaining 20 per cent by the Mizoram Government.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister praised the Power and Electricity Department for its sustained efforts to expand the state’s energy sector. He noted that Mizoram has recently inaugurated a 10 MW solar power plant at Thenzawl and is currently constructing a 5 MW solar plant at Sumsuih, with around 20 per cent of the work already completed. Both projects are fully owned by the state government, reflecting its commitment to clean energy.
The Chief Minister also spoke about other major power initiatives underway in the state. The Tuivai Hydro Electric Project, initially designed for 210 MW, was later revised to 132 MW due to concerns over the submergence of areas in Manipur.
The Detailed Project Report has now been completed with the assistance of Ernst & Young LLP as transaction adviser, and construction is expected to begin once financial arrangements are finalised.
On the Tlawng Hydro Project, he said the DPR is currently under review by the Central Water Commission, while geological investigation work is in progress. The report is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Highlighting the state’s push for solar energy, the Chief Minister said Expressions of Interest have been issued for setting up solar plants at five locations across Mizoram. In addition, 75 Village Councils have already offered land for future solar projects, which the government plans to take up in a phased manner.
He also shared that rooftop solar installations are gaining momentum, with 791 systems already installed across the state, generating a combined capacity of 2.62 MW. This has been made possible through substantial central and state subsidies.
Another upcoming initiative is a pump storage project at Tuichang Lui near the Vankal Solar Park, aimed at improving power availability during peak demand hours and enabling power trading.
Although Mizoram is not yet fully self-sufficient in power generation, the Chief Minister said the state has benefited financially through power trading. By making timely payments under long-term power purchase agreements, Mizoram has been able to trade surplus power and earn rebates. So far, the state has earned over ₹172 crore in revenue from power trading, with a net profit of more than ₹87 crore and additional rebates amounting to over ₹6.5 crore.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the 24 MW Tuirini project would significantly strengthen Mizoram’s power sector and appealed to local communities to extend full cooperation for the successful execution of the project.
The proposal for the Tuirini Small Hydro Project was submitted in February 2024, approved by the State Level Screening Committee in April 2024, and received clearance for external funding from the Department of Economic Affairs in February 2025.
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