A Forgotten Hydropower Giant in Kashmir Is Being Rebuilt After 30 Years
By: Javid Amin | 07 March 2026
After standing silent for more than three decades, one of South Asia’s oldest hydroelectric power stations is preparing for a remarkable return. The historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project—built in 1902 in the Uri region of Baramulla district—is set to be revived under a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model announced by the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Once the backbone of electricity supply for Srinagar and surrounding areas, the Mohra power station represented a pioneering leap in hydropower engineering during the early 20th century. With an installed capacity of 10.5 megawatts, the plant introduced electric lighting and modern infrastructure to the Kashmir Valley at a time when many regions in South Asia were still dependent on traditional energy sources.
One of the project’s most remarkable engineering features was an 11-kilometre wooden flume system, designed to channel water from the river intake to the turbines across rugged mountain terrain. At the time of its construction, this innovative design was widely regarded as an engineering marvel.
However, repeated floods, aging machinery, and decades of limited investment eventually forced the plant to shut down in the early 1990s. Since then, the once-iconic facility has remained dormant, gradually fading from the region’s active power infrastructure.
Now, the revival plan aims to restore the project’s legacy while integrating modern technology. Experts from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee have been tasked with updating the Detailed Project Report (DPR), assessing technical feasibility, environmental impact, and cost estimates before the project moves to the tendering phase expected later in 2026.
If successfully implemented, the restoration of the Mohra project could deliver multiple benefits: adding renewable energy capacity to the region’s power grid, preserving a rare example of early hydroelectric engineering, and potentially creating a new heritage tourism attraction in north Kashmir.
Beyond its technical and economic value, the revival carries symbolic importance. It highlights Kashmir’s long history with hydropower and reflects a broader effort to combine clean energy development with the preservation of historic infrastructure.
For residents of the Uri region and the wider Kashmir Valley, the project represents more than just a power station—it is a reminder of a pioneering chapter in the region’s technological past and a hopeful step toward a sustainable energy future.
More than a century ago, when electricity was still a novelty in many parts of South Asia, a pioneering hydropower station began operating in the mountains of Kashmir. The facility—now known as the historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project—once illuminated homes, government buildings, and markets in the Kashmir Valley.
Built in 1902, the power station symbolized technological ambition in the Himalayan region. For decades it stood as the primary electricity source for Srinagar and surrounding areas, marking a turning point in the modernization of Kashmir’s infrastructure.
Yet the same project that once powered an entire region eventually slipped into neglect. Floods, aging machinery, and lack of modernization led to its closure in the early 1990s. For more than thirty years, the once-innovative power plant remained silent—its stone walls and rusting equipment serving as reminders of a forgotten industrial legacy.
Now, more than a century after its commissioning, the government of Jammu and Kashmir plans to revive the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, bringing new attention to one of the oldest hydroelectric facilities in South Asia.
Early Electrification of Kashmir
When the Mohra plant was built, electrification across the Indian subcontinent was still in its infancy.
Hydropower technology had only recently begun transforming cities worldwide, and mountainous regions with fast-flowing rivers were seen as ideal locations for early hydroelectric experiments.
The Kashmir Valley, surrounded by the Himalayan ranges and nourished by powerful river systems, presented natural advantages for such projects.
During the reign of Pratap Singh, the Dogra administration recognized the potential of hydropower to modernize urban infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
The result was the establishment of the Mohra power station near the Uri region of Baramulla district.
At the time of its commissioning, the project had a generation capacity of 10.5 megawatts, an impressive figure for the early twentieth century.
Electricity generated at Mohra soon began lighting streets, government offices, and residential areas in Srinagar, transforming everyday life in the Valley.
An Engineering Marvel of Its Time
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Mohra project was its engineering design.
Instead of relying solely on conventional canals or tunnels, engineers constructed an 11-kilometre wooden flume—a specially designed channel used to transport water across uneven mountainous terrain.
This wooden structure carried water from the intake point to the turbines located at the power station.
At the time, such a system represented cutting-edge hydropower engineering.
The flume allowed water to maintain the necessary velocity and pressure to generate electricity efficiently despite the challenging geography of the region.
Historical accounts suggest that the plant also featured imported mechanical components, reflecting the international nature of early hydropower technology.
For decades, the Mohra station stood as a symbol of technological ingenuity in the Himalayan region.
Transforming Srinagar’s Urban Life
The impact of the power station was particularly visible in Srinagar, which served as the political and cultural center of the Valley.
Electricity from Mohra helped introduce:
-
street lighting in key markets
-
illumination in administrative buildings
-
power supply to early industrial facilities
-
improved public infrastructure
For residents who had previously relied on oil lamps and traditional lighting systems, electric power represented a dramatic improvement in quality of life.
Markets could remain open longer, public buildings became more functional, and urban services expanded.
The Mohra station effectively became the backbone of Kashmir’s early electrification network.
The Slow Decline of a Historic Power Plant
Despite its early success, the Mohra project began facing difficulties in the mid-twentieth century.
Several factors contributed to its gradual decline.
Aging Infrastructure
The mechanical components installed in the early 1900s eventually became outdated as modern hydropower technology evolved.
Without periodic upgrades, the plant’s efficiency declined.
Flood Damage
The mountainous rivers of Kashmir are prone to seasonal flooding.
Over time, floods damaged parts of the infrastructure, including the flume system and intake structures.
Lack of Modern Investment
As newer hydropower projects emerged across the region, attention and investment shifted away from Mohra.
Maintenance budgets dwindled, and modernization efforts were limited.
By the early 1990s, the plant was no longer operational.
Three Decades of Silence
After its closure, the once-historic facility remained largely abandoned.
Rusting machinery, broken channels, and deteriorating structures gradually became part of the landscape.
For local residents, the plant became a reminder of a lost era when Kashmir had been a pioneer in hydroelectric power.
Yet despite occasional discussions about restoring the facility, concrete steps toward revival remained limited for decades.
Financial constraints and technical challenges repeatedly stalled proposals to bring the project back to life.
A New Revival Plan
The revival effort gained momentum recently when the administration of Jammu and Kashmir announced a new plan to restore the project.
The proposed strategy involves redeveloping the facility through a Public-Private Partnership model, allowing private companies to participate in the financing and construction process.
Authorities believe the PPP model could help overcome the funding limitations that hindered previous attempts.
The revived project is expected to incorporate modern hydroelectric technology while preserving historically significant parts of the original infrastructure.
Technical Assessment by IIT Roorkee
To evaluate the feasibility of restoring the plant, the government has assigned experts from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to update the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The updated DPR will address several key questions:
-
structural integrity of the remaining infrastructure
-
technical feasibility of installing modern turbines
-
environmental impact of the project
-
updated financial estimates
The report will play a crucial role in determining how the project can be modernized without erasing its historic character.
Estimated Cost and Funding Challenges
Earlier assessments suggested that restoring the project could cost around ₹135 crore based on estimates prepared in 2022.
However, inflation and evolving engineering requirements may push the cost higher.
Previous attempts to secure funding under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP-2015) were unsuccessful, highlighting the financial challenges associated with reviving historic infrastructure.
The PPP model is expected to attract investors interested in renewable energy development.
Environmental Considerations
Hydropower projects in mountain ecosystems require careful environmental planning.
The Uri region, located in the Himalayan foothills, supports diverse flora and fauna.
Environmental studies will need to assess:
-
river flow patterns
-
impact on aquatic ecosystems
-
potential erosion or landslide risks
Authorities have indicated that environmental clearances will be obtained before construction begins.
Local Community Expectations
Residents of the Uri region hope the project’s revival will bring economic benefits to the area.
Potential advantages include:
-
employment during construction
-
long-term technical jobs
-
improved electricity supply
-
increased tourism activity
For many locals, the restoration also represents a chance to reclaim a historic landmark that once defined the region’s industrial landscape.
Heritage and Tourism Potential
Industrial heritage tourism has gained popularity worldwide.
Historic power stations, railways, and factories often become cultural attractions once restored.
Experts believe the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project could become part of a heritage tourism circuit in Kashmir if preserved carefully.
Visitors could explore the history of early hydropower engineering while experiencing the scenic landscape surrounding the Uri region.
Hydropower and Kashmir’s Energy Future
Jammu and Kashmir has enormous hydropower potential due to its mountainous terrain and river systems.
Several large hydroelectric projects already operate across the region, contributing to the national power grid.
Reviving Mohra would add only a modest amount of capacity compared with modern plants, but its symbolic importance is considerable.
The project would demonstrate how historic infrastructure can be adapted to meet modern renewable energy goals.
The Road Ahead
Before construction begins, several steps must be completed:
-
Finalization of the updated DPR by Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
-
Government approval of technical and financial plans
-
Launch of the tendering process expected in 2026
-
Selection of private developers under the PPP framework
If these steps proceed smoothly, restoration work could begin within the next few years.
Why Kashmir Has One of the Highest Hydropower Potentials in India – Explainer
The mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir is widely recognized as one of India’s most promising areas for hydroelectric power generation. With powerful rivers flowing from the Himalayas and dramatic altitude differences across the terrain, the region possesses natural conditions ideal for hydropower development.
Experts estimate that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to generate tens of thousands of megawatts of electricity from hydropower, making it one of the most energy-rich regions in the country in terms of renewable resources.
Understanding why the region has such enormous potential requires looking at geography, river systems, engineering opportunities, and energy policy.
1. Himalayan Geography Creates Ideal Conditions
Hydropower relies on two key elements:
-
strong water flow
-
significant elevation difference
The Himalayan mountains provide both.
In Kashmir, rivers descend rapidly from high-altitude glaciers and mountain valleys toward lower plains. This steep gradient creates powerful water pressure, which can be harnessed by hydroelectric turbines to generate electricity efficiently.
Regions like the valley surrounding Srinagar and the mountainous districts of north Kashmir offer numerous potential sites for hydropower plants.
2. Major River Systems Flow Through the Region
Several major Himalayan rivers originate or pass through Jammu and Kashmir.
The most important among them is the Jhelum River, which flows through the Kashmir Valley before entering Pakistan.
Other significant rivers include:
-
Chenab River
-
Indus River
-
Kishanganga River
These rivers carry enormous volumes of water from glaciers and seasonal rainfall.
Such river systems provide ideal conditions for both large hydroelectric dams and smaller run-of-river power projects.
3. Enormous Untapped Hydropower Potential
According to energy experts, Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower potential is estimated to exceed 20,000 megawatts.
However, only a portion of this potential has been developed so far.
Several factors have slowed development:
-
difficult mountainous terrain
-
high construction costs
-
environmental concerns
-
political and security challenges
As a result, much of the region’s hydroelectric potential remains untapped.
4. Hydropower Is Critical for Regional Energy Security
Despite its vast natural resources, Jammu and Kashmir often faces electricity shortages.
During winter months, river flows decline and energy demand increases due to heating requirements.
Hydropower development helps reduce reliance on electricity imports from other Indian states.
Projects such as the historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project represent early examples of how hydropower helped electrify the region.
Reviving and expanding such projects could strengthen the region’s energy independence.
5. Hydropower Supports India’s Renewable Energy Goals
India is increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions.
Hydropower plays a crucial role because it provides:
-
stable electricity generation
-
long operational lifespans
-
low carbon emissions
Unlike solar or wind power, hydroelectric plants can also provide grid stability by adjusting electricity output according to demand.
This makes hydropower a valuable component of India’s clean energy strategy.
6. Economic Benefits for Mountain Communities
Hydropower development can bring significant economic benefits to remote mountain regions.
These benefits include:
-
construction employment
-
long-term technical jobs
-
improved local infrastructure
-
increased tourism and development
Projects in areas such as Baramulla district have the potential to stimulate economic activity in regions that often face limited industrial opportunities.
7. Environmental and Ecological Challenges
Despite its advantages, hydropower development also raises environmental concerns.
Large hydroelectric projects can affect:
-
river ecosystems
-
fish migration patterns
-
local wildlife habitats
Mountain construction projects can also increase risks of landslides or erosion.
For this reason, modern hydropower planning includes environmental impact assessments and sustainable design practices.
8. Heritage Projects Like Mohra Matter Too
While modern hydropower projects often focus on large dams, historic facilities also play an important role in regional energy history.
The revival of the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project demonstrates how older infrastructure can be preserved while adapting to modern energy needs.
Such projects serve multiple purposes:
-
renewable power generation
-
heritage conservation
-
educational tourism
They also highlight the long history of technological innovation in the region.
Bottom-Line
The unique geography of Jammu and Kashmir makes it one of India’s most promising regions for hydroelectric power generation.
With powerful rivers, steep mountain terrain, and significant untapped potential, the region could play a major role in the country’s renewable energy future.
Projects like the revival of the historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project illustrate how the past and future of hydropower in Kashmir are closely connected.
If developed responsibly, the region’s hydropower resources could help power communities, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable development for decades to come.
A Symbol of Past and Future
The story of the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project reflects both the rise and decline of early industrial infrastructure in Kashmir.
Once a symbol of technological progress, the project faded into obscurity as newer energy systems replaced it.
Now, its revival offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with that history while building a more sustainable energy future.
If successfully restored, the Mohra power station will not only generate electricity again—it will also stand as a reminder that innovation, heritage, and sustainability can coexist in the landscapes of the Himalayas.