Modi to inaugurate three mega hydro projects in Himachal

Shimla, Oct 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three state-run mega hydro power projects and address a public rally in Himachal Pradesh on October 18 during a day-long visit to the state, a BJP leader said on Friday.

This will be his maiden visit to the hill state after becoming Prime Minister.

During his day-long visit, Modi will inaugurate NTPC's 800MW Koldam Hydro Project in Bilaspur district, NHPC's 540MW Parbati Stage-III project in Kullu district and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd's 412MW Rampur project in Shimla district, state BJP chief Satpal Satti told reporters here.

He said Modi will address a public rally in Mandi town after inaugurating the projects from there. On that day, he is also likely to address another rally in Nahan town in Sirmaur district, adjoining Uttarakhand.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and the party's national President Amit Shah would accompany Modi.

The foundation stone of NTPC's Koldam hydro project was laid on June 5, 2000, by then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

"Prime Minister Modi has expressed extra concern for this hill state by announcing so many incentives, including regranting special category status. But the state (Congress) government has failed to derive full benefits of the central projects," BJP leader and twice Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal told IANS.

IANS