Shahpur Kandi Dam inaugurated by CM Mann

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the Shahpur Kandi Dam, declared to be a project of “national importance” by the Centre.

The dam on the Ravi, constructed at a cost of Rs 3,400 crore, will not only control floods, but will also generate 206 MW electricity, besides irrigating 5,000 hectares in Punjab and 32,000 hectares in J&K.

Of the total power so generated, 20 per cent will be given to J&K under an agreement signed by both states.

Cabinet ministers Lal Chand Kataruchak and Barinder Kumar Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Water Resources Secretary Krishan Kumar were also present on the occasion.

The dam was completed in February 2024, while the filling of the reservoir began in November 2024. Finally, the capacity testing was carried out in May 2025.

The project is located downstream from the Ranjit Sagar Dam. Engineers say it is a primary part of the country’s strategy to effectively check the flow of water going towards Pakistan.

The CM said as not many agri facilities were available in the region, the government was striving to turn the area in and around the dam into a tourist hub and a major fishery centre. “The Pathankot airport will act as a catalyst. The dam will provide silt free water to the two powerhouses. It is as vital to Punjab as the Bhakra and Ranjit Sagar dam projects,” said the CM.

The project has two powerhouses with a combined capacity of 206 MW.