Kathmandu, Apr. 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and India's Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar inspected the Arun III Hydropower Project on Tuesday.

During his two-day visit to Nepal, Khattar visited the powerhouse and dam site of the under-construction project, which is being developed with Indian investment. On the occasion, the two ministers jointly inaugurated 'Unit-2' of the project and planted trees as part of a plantation program.

During the inspection, the contractor company briefed the two ministers on the project's progress and the challenges faced during construction.

Energy Minister Khadka thanked the Indian government for supporting the development of Nepal's energy sector. "Since Arun III is one of the country's most important hydropower projects, the government has given it top priority and will not allow any shortcomings," said Minister Khadka.

India's Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted Nepal's immense potential in the hydropower sector and said the country can achieve prosperity through energy development. He stressed the importance of completing the Arun III Hydropower Project on time, noting that timely completion would benefit both nations. He also reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to investing in Nepal's hydropower sector.

The 900-megawatt Arun III Hydropower Project is under construction along the border of Makalu and Chichila rural municipalities in Sankhuwasabha district. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly laid the foundation stone for the project in April 2018. India's SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) Hydropower Company is building the project at an estimated cost of Rs 104 billion.