The Idukki hydroelectric project, Kerala’s largest hydel power project, is set to complete 50 years on 12 February 2026. The Moolamattom power plant, the main generating station of the project, has produced 115,852.672 million units over five decades. The project has played a major role in Kerala’s power supply, irrigation, drinking water support, and regional development.
Project Commissioning and Capacity
- The first phase of the project, with three 130 MW generators, was commissioned in 1976.
- These units alone contributed 69,767.445 million units to total generation.
- The second phase, with the fourth, fifth and sixth generators, was installed in 1986.
- This raised the total installed capacity of the Idukki hydel project to 780 MW.
Low-Cost Power Generation
- The average cost of power generation at the project is below 12 to 17 paise per unit.
- The plant crossed the one lakh million units mark on 15 July 2020.
- Renovation of the original phase one generators has been completed ahead of the anniversary.
Impact on Kerala’s Economy and Infrastructure
- The project created a power surplus in Kerala after commissioning.
- It supported industrial growth by improving power security for high-volume users.
- It also supports drinking water and irrigation needs in Idukki, Kottayam and Ernakulam through the Malankara dam.
- The project led to major road connectivity, including the Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala State highway and the Neriamangalam-Cheruthoni road.
Engineering, Tourism and Social Impact
- The Idukki dam is now a major tourist attraction in Kerala.
- The Cheruthoni low-lying bridge became nationally known during the 2018 floods after surviving the release of excess water.
- The reservoir submerged Ayyappankovil, an early settlement in the high range.
- The displacement of residents triggered protests led by A.K. Gopalan.