The Sleemanabad water tunnel project in Madhya Pradesh, a long-delayed irrigation initiative, is finally in its concluding phase after almost 17 years of construction. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is scheduled to visit the site in Katni district on Friday to oversee the progress. The 11.952-km tunnel, part of the Bargi Diversion Project by the Narmada Valley Development Authority, aims to transport Narmada water across the Vindhya range into the Son river basin through gravity flow, benefiting approximately 2.45 lakh hectares of land in several districts.
The project, initially estimated at Rs 799 crore when approved in 2008, faced significant challenges such as hard rock formations, underground cavities, and water seepage, leading to cost overruns and delays. The total expenditure has now escalated to Rs 1,610.47 crore. Specialized tunneling equipment, including a German tunnel boring machine, along with advanced techniques like chemical grouting and high-capacity dewatering systems, were utilized to address these technical obstacles. Notably, the tunnel passes beneath populated areas, a national highway, and railway tracks.
With 96.66% of the physical work completed under the contract, major milestones have been achieved, including the main tunnel and a 12.135-km open canal. Only a small section of 188 meters remains to be constructed using the cut-and-cover method for the canal. Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the government’s close monitoring of the project to ensure timely benefits for farmers. The project has already created irrigation potential for 44,160 hectares, with plans to extend it to an additional 87,433 hectares by December 2026 and eventually cover 2.45 lakh hectares by December 2027 upon completion of the entire canal distribution network.
