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Polavaram Project Nears Finish Line: World's Largest Spillway Completed

The Polavaram Irrigation Project is accelerating towards a year-end completion target, having achieved a major milestone with the completion of the world's largest spillway. Critical components like the upper and lower cofferdams and the Gap-3 concrete dam are fully finished, with work on the Earth Cum Rock Fill dams advancing rapidly. Upon completion, the project will transform the region by irrigating millions of acres, generating 960 MW of power, and supplying drinking water to Visakhapatnam. The project, featuring unique engineering like India's first fish ladder, is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd.

Key Points: Polavaram Irrigation Project Milestones & Fast-Tracked Progress

  • World's largest spillway completed
  • 48 hydraulic gates installed
  • To irrigate 7.2 lakh new acres
  • Will generate 960 MW of hydropower
  • Major groundwork finished for year-end target
2 min read

Polavaram speeds ahead: Mega irrigation project nears key milestones with fast-tracked execution

Polavaram project nears completion with world's largest spillway ready. To irrigate millions of acres, generate 960 MW power, and transform Andhra Pradesh.

"Key structures like the spillway and cofferdams are complete, and with major groundwork in place, the team is confident of achieving upcoming milestones on schedule. - A Gangadhar, General Manager, MEIL"

Polavaram, April 8

The Polavaram Irrigation Project is progressing steadily, with the Andhra Pradesh government accelerating works and targeting completion by year-end.

A major milestone has been achieved with the completion of the world's largest spillway, designed to handle a massive flood discharge of 50 lakh cusecs, along with the installation of 48 hydraulic radial gates. The upper and lower cofferdams (110.78 lakh CUM) and Gap-3 concrete dam (0.81 lakh CUM) have also been fully completed.

Executing these critical works, Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd has played a key role in driving the project forward with its engineering expertise and timely execution.

Work on the Earth Cum Rock Fill (ECRF) dams is advancing at a fast pace. Critical components such as diaphragm walls and vibro compaction are already completed, while embankment filling is currently in progress.

Once completed, the project will irrigate 7.2 lakh new acres and stabilise 23.5 lakh acres, significantly boosting agriculture. It will also generate 960 MW of hydropower using Asia's largest Kaplan turbines, divert 80 TMC of surplus water to the Krishna basin, and supply 23.44 TMC of drinking water to Visakhapatnam.

Speaking on the progress, A Gangadhar, General Manager, MEIL, stated that key structures like the spillway and cofferdams are complete, and with major groundwork in place, the team is confident of achieving upcoming milestones on schedule.

With its unique engineering features--including a right-bank spillway, left-bank powerhouse, a 6.6 km river diversion system, and India's first fish ladder--the project is set to transform irrigation, flood management, and power generation in Andhra Pradesh.

The Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which also encompasses the Godavari (Polavaram) - Krishna (Vijayawada) link project, is being implemented in the State of Andhra Pradesh and has been receiving financial support from the Government of India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has followed this project for years, it's encouraging to see concrete progress. The irrigation benefits are massive. My only concern is the environmental impact and rehabilitation of displaced families. That aspect needs equal attention.
V
Vikram M
Finally some positive news! Stabilising 23.5 lakh acres is no joke. This will bring immense prosperity to the state. Kudos to the engineers and workers. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
The hydropower generation is a huge plus. 960 MW is significant for the state's energy needs. Hope the project maintains quality and doesn't get delayed due to politics or funding issues.
P
Priya S
India's first fish ladder! 👏 It's good to see some thought given to ecology alongside development. Drinking water for Vizag is also a critical need. Hope the execution matches the ambitious planning.
M
Michael C
While the engineering feats are impressive, the article reads like a press release from the contractor. I'd like more independent reporting on cost overruns and whether the benefits will truly reach the small farmers, or just the big landowners.

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