Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will chair a special Cabinet meeting at Gandhi Sagar in Mandsaur district on 18 November 2026, with the state's ₹11,500-crore pumped hydro storage project expected to dominate the agenda. The meeting is part of the state government's initiative to hold Cabinet sessions at different locations to spotlight their development potential.

About the Gandhi Sagar Pumped Hydro Storage Project

The 1,920 MW Gandhi Sagar Pumped Hydro Storage Project, being developed by Greenko Group in Neemuch district, is among the largest standalone pumped hydro storage facilities currently under construction in India. Spread across approximately 414 hectares, the facility uses the existing Gandhi Sagar reservoir as the lower reservoir and a newly constructed reservoir as the upper one.

The project works by using surplus solar and wind energy to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. During peak electricity demand hours, the stored water is released to drive nine turbines, generating electricity continuously for up to six hours. Its annual energy generation capacity is estimated at 3,580 million units, with a round-trip efficiency of approximately 80 per cent, according to a government statement.

Key Timelines and Commissioning Schedule

The first set of turbines is expected to become operational by December 2026, while the entire project is scheduled to be commissioned by June 2027. Once operational, electricity generated during peak demand hours will be supplied to NTPC, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and distribution companies in Madhya Pradesh and other states.

The project is expected to help distribution companies reduce dependence on expensive peak-hour power, translating into lower electricity costs for consumers, according to the state government.

Employment and Local Impact

Approximately 4,000 people have been employed during the construction phase, while nearly 200 permanent jobs are expected in the operation and maintenance of the facility. The company has been directed to prioritise employment for eligible local candidates from Madhya Pradesh, the government statement noted. The project is also projected to help prevent the wastage of surplus renewable energy and ensure green power availability in line with demand.

Tourism and Wildlife Dimension

Beyond energy, the Gandhi Sagar region is being developed simultaneously as a tourism and wildlife destination. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has been established as the state's second cheetah habitat after the Kuno National Park. The state government is additionally promoting the Gandhi Sagar Floating Festival, tent city facilities, and water sports to generate employment in tourism, hospitality, and handicrafts.

The dual push — renewable energy infrastructure alongside eco-tourism — positions Gandhi Sagar as a multi-sector development hub, a model the state government appears keen to replicate through its location-specific Cabinet meetings.