Overview
The central government approved the Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel project in May 2026. The ₹2,352 crore project will divert surplus water from the Chenab basin to the Beas river through an 8.7 km tunnel in Himachal Pradesh. NHPC will implement it, enabling 4,000 MW of additional hydropower.
A Big Step for River Linking
The central government of India has approved a major river-linking project. It is called the Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel. The approval came in May 2026. The project is located in Himachal Pradesh. Its estimated cost is ₹2,352 crore. This is part of India's larger plan to transfer water from rivers with surplus water to rivers that need more water. The project will also help generate more electricity.
What is the Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel?
The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel is an infrastructure project. It will divert surplus water from the Chenab river basin into the Beas river system. The main part of the project is an 8.7‑kilometre‑long tunnel . This tunnel will carry water from one river basin to another. The Chenab and Beas are both part of the Indus river system . This system includes six major rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. By linking Chenab to Beas, the project aims to use water more efficiently.
Project Location and Components
The project is located in Himachal Pradesh. Here are its main components:
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Phase 1: A proposed 19‑metre‑high barrage on the Chandra river . The Chandra river is a tributary of the Chenab. It flows in the upper Chenab basin in the western Himalayas.
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Location of the barrage: Near Koksar village in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh.
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The tunnel: 8.7 km long. It will carry water from the Chandra river (Chenab basin) to the Beas river.
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Implementing agency: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) . NHPC is a central public sector enterprise. It specializes in hydropower development.
Why This Project is Needed
The Chenab river has surplus water during certain seasons. The Beas river, on the other hand, faces water shortages at times. By transferring water from Chenab to Beas, the project will:
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Increase water availability in the Beas basin.
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Help in irrigation and drinking water supply.
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Enable additional hydropower generation.
The project is expected to facilitate nearly 4,000 MW of additional hydropower generation in Himachal Pradesh. This is a huge amount of clean energy. It will help India meet its growing electricity needs without burning more fossil fuels.
Indus Waters Treaty Context
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. It governs how the waters of the Indus river system are shared. Under the treaty:
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The three eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej – are allocated to India.
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The three western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab – are allocated to Pakistan.
However, India has the right to use the western rivers for non‑consumptive purposes like hydropower.
In April 2025 , India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance . This means India suspended its operation. The government cited Pakistan's repeated violations and cross‑border terrorism as reasons. Since the treaty is no longer active, India is free to build projects like the Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel without seeking Pakistan's consent. This is a significant geopolitical shift.
Role of NHPC
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will handle the project. NHPC is a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power. It was established in 1975. NHPC has built many large hydropower projects in India, including the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri project in Himachal Pradesh. The corporation has the technical expertise to build tunnels, barrages, and power stations in difficult Himalayan terrain. NHPC will also be responsible for environmental clearances, land acquisition, and rehabilitation of affected villages.
Benefits for Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a hilly state. It has many rivers but limited flat land. The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel will bring several benefits to the state:
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More hydropower: 4,000 MW of additional capacity means more revenue for the state government. Hydropower projects also create local jobs during construction and operation.
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Better water management: The tunnel will help regulate water flow. This can reduce flooding in some areas and prevent water scarcity in others.
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Economic development: Large infrastructure projects bring investment, improve roads, and boost local businesses.
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Employment: Construction of the tunnel and barrage will require engineers, workers, and support staff. Many local people will find work.
Current Status and Timeline
As of May 2026, the project is at the drawing‑board stage . This means detailed designs, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments are still being completed. The government has approved the project in principle. But no officially verified completion date has been announced. Some media reports have speculated about July 2029, but these are not confirmed by official sources. The available verified facts do not confirm any completion target. The project will take several years to build, given the difficult Himalayan terrain and the need for environmental clearances.
Environmental Concerns
River‑linking projects often face criticism from environmentalists. The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel will involve tunnelling through mountains. This can affect groundwater levels and local ecosystems. The barrage on the Chandra river will submerge some land. Villages like Koksar may be affected. The government will need to conduct proper environmental impact studies. It will also need to rehabilitate displaced families. NHPC has experience in managing these issues, but careful planning is necessary.
A Strategic Water Project
The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel is not just about water and power. It is also a strategic project. By linking a western river (Chenab) to an eastern river (Beas), India is asserting its full rights over the Indus basin. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in 2025 gave India the legal freedom to proceed. This project sends a clear message: India will use its share of the western rivers as it sees fit. It is a move towards water security and energy independence.
Conclusion
The Chenab–Beas Link Tunnel is a landmark project. It will transfer water from the Chenab basin to the Beas river through an 8.7 km tunnel. It will enable 4,000 MW of hydropower generation in Himachal Pradesh. The project is being implemented by NHPC