Telangana, a young state in India, has transformed the lives of its people with its high per capita income, second-largest contribution to GDP, and free drinking water for all. However, this was not the case when Telangana was formed in 2014. It was an arid region with a severe water crisis. Let’s Get Details about Kaleshwaram Project
Kaleshwaram Project Details
Telangana is a state in India that is located on the Deccan Plateau. The Godavari River flows through the state at a lower elevation, and most of the water flows into the sea untapped. This has been a major problem for Telangana for decades.
In order to solve this problem, the Telangana government took on the role of chief architect and devised the Kaleshwaram Multi-Stage Lift Irrigation Project. This is the world’s largest lift irrigation project, and it lifts water from an elevation of 90 meters to 680 meters above sea level. The water is then used to irrigate parched uplands through a system of canals and reservoirs.
Description | Particulars |
---|---|
Project Name | Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project |
State | Telangana |
District | Jayashankar Bhupalapally |
Total Water Capacity | 240TMC |
Total districts covered | 20 Districts |
Built On | Godavari River |
Department | Telangana Irrigation Department |
Detailed PDF | Kaleshwaram Project.PDf |
The Kaleshwaram project is an engineering marvel. It was completed in a record four years at a cost of $11 billion. It is also a testament to the ingenuity and enterprise of the people of Telangana.

The project delivers 240 TMC of water to benefit 25 million people. It irrigates 9 million acres of land, which is enough to feed two cropping cycles. This has contributed to a green revolution in Telangana, making it the new rice bowl of India.
The Kaleshwaram project is also integrated with the Telangana government’s flagship program, Mission Bhagiratha, which delivers safe piped drinking water to all homes in the state. This has benefited 28 million people, making Telangana the only state in India to have achieved 100% coverage of tap water connections.
The Kaleshwaram Multi-Stage Lift Irrigation Project has solved Telangana’s water problems and is now playing an instrumental role in boosting agriculture and allied sectors. It is also enhancing the overall socio-economic profile of rural Telangana.
The Kaleshwaram project is a testament to the relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment of a leader. By lifting a river against all odds, it has uplifted millions of lives and livelihoods in Telangana.
Capacity | Particulars |
---|---|
Total Water Availability | 240 TMC |
Total Capacity of reservoirs | 147.71 TMC |
Total Water being lifted from Godavari river | 195 TMC |
Water lifted from SYP | 20 TMC |
Ground Water | 25 TMC |
Water for Irrigation | 169 TMC |
Drinking Water supply (Twin cities & enroute villages ) | 40 TMC |
Water supply to Industries | 16 TMC |
- The Kaleshwaram project is a massive irrigation project that aims to divert water from the Godavari River to irrigate land in Telangana. It also aims to provide drinking water and water for industrial use.
- The project has been divided into two components: the Kaleshwaram project and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita project.
- The Kaleshwaram project will divert water from the Godavari River at Medigadda. The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita project will divert water from the Pranahita River at Tummidihetti.
- The Kaleshwaram project will consist of a series of barrages, reservoirs, canals, and tunnels.
- The project will irrigate 18,25,700 acres of land. It will also provide drinking water for 30 TMC and water for industrial use for 16 TMC.
The Kaleshwaram project is a giant water pipeline that will bring water from the Godavari River to the people of Telangana. It will help to irrigate millions of acres of land and provide drinking water to millions of people. The project is a major undertaking, but it is essential for the future of Telangana.
The Kaleshwaram Multi-Stage Lift Irrigation Project
The Kaleshwaram project is a massive engineering feat that lifts water from the Godavari River and delivers it to parched uplands in Telangana. It is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, and it has transformed the state’s water landscape.
The project consists of a series of pumps and canals that lift water from an elevation of 90 meters to 680 meters above sea level. This water is then used to irrigate millions of acres of land and provide drinking water to millions of people.
Description | Particulars |
---|---|
Gravity Canel | 1531 KM |
Tunnel | 203 KM |
Total Length of the Water Conductor System | 1832 KM |
No. of Lifts | 20 |
No. of Reservoirs | 20 |
Total Capacity of reservoirs | 147.71 TMC |
Cost of the project | Rs.80190.46 Crores |
A Colossal Engineering Marvel
The Kaleshwaram project is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. It is one of the most complex and challenging irrigation projects ever built.
Some of the project’s most notable features include:
- The world’s largest pump house
- Asia’s Biggest Surge Pool
- India’s biggest artificial reservoir
The project also features a number of innovative technologies, such as solar-powered pumps and intelligent water management systems.
Kaleshwaram Project Links
The project consists of seven links to transport water from Godavari River to various reservoirs and canals. Each link has a specific route and capacity. Here’s a simplified summary:
- Link-1: Lifts water from Godavari to Sripada Yellampalli reservoir through barrages and canals.
- Link-2: Carries water from Sripada Yellampalli reservoir to Mid-Manair reservoir.
- Link-3: Carries water from Mid-Manair reservoir to Upper Manair reservoir, feeding Malkapet reservoir along the way.
- Link-4: Carries water from Mid-Manair reservoir to Kondapochamma Sagar, feeding other reservoirs on the way.
- Link-5: Carries water from Sri Komaravelli Mallana Sagar to Mulkalapalli village, feeding other reservoirs.
- Link-6: Carries water from Package 13 to Singur reservoir.
- Link-7: Carries water from Godavari River to various canals and reservoirs in different districts.
Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project PDF
Benefits of the Kaleshwaram Project
The Kaleshwaram project has had a number of positive benefits for the people of Telangana, including:
- Increased agricultural production: The project has enabled farmers to grow two crops per year on land that was previously only suitable for one crop.
- Improved water security: The project has provided a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.
- Boosted socio-economic development: The project has created jobs and opportunities in rural areas, and it has helped to improve the overall quality of life for people in Telangana.
Important Keywords Related to Projects:
- Barrage: A wall built across a river to hold back water and divert the flow of water. Barrages are used to control the flow of water, prevent flooding, and store water for irrigation and drinking.
- Reservoir: They can used to store water during wet seasons and release it during dry seasons.
- TMC: A unit of measurement for water volume equal to 1,000 million cubic feet. One TMC of water is enough to supply a city of one million people for one year.
- Surge pool: A reservoir that absorbs sudden surges of water from upstream. Surge pools are used to protect downstream infrastructure from damage caused by sudden floods.
- Gravity canal: A canal that uses the force of gravity to move water from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Gravity canals are a cheap and efficient way to transport water over long distances.
- Pump house: A building that houses pumps that lift water from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. Pump houses are needed to lift water over hills and mountains.
- Lifts: A series of pumps that lift water from one elevation to another. Lifts are used to lift water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to canals and irrigation systems.
- Cusec: A unit of measurement for water flow rate equal to 1 cubic foot per second. One cusec is enough to supply a small town with water.
- FRL: (Full Reservoir Level) The highest level that water can safely be stored in a reservoir. FRL is important for dam safety because it prevents the dam from overflowing.
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Kaleshwaram Project Budget Complete Details
The total cost of the project includes ₹79,061.64 crore in direct charges, covering works, sub-stations, land, resettlement, and other expenses. Indirect charges add ₹1,128.82 crore, bringing the grand total to ₹80,190.46 crore.
The project was initially budgeted at ₹81,911 crore, but due to additional works and unforeseen issues, the cost is expected to exceed ₹1.47 lakh crore.
Sl. No. | Name of Item | Amount (Rs. in Crores) |
---|---|---|
1 | Works | 63352.00 |
2 | Sub-Stations | 2885.84 |
3 | Land | 6953.65 |
4 | Resettlement & Rehabilitation | 1464.34 |
5 | Forest Land | 741.52 |
6 | Operation & Maintenance | 661.08 |
7 | Establishment charges @ 2% | 1365.43 |
8 | Tools & Plants and Recoveries | 769.27 |
9 | Miscellaneous | 868.51 |
Total Direct Charges | 79061.64 | |
10 | Indirect charges (Capital value of land abatement) | 359.55 |
11 | Audit & Account charges | 769.27 |
Total Indirect Charges | 1128.82 | |
GRAND TOTAL | 80190.46 | |
Additional Cost (Overrun) | ₹65,609.54 | |
Updated GRAND TOTAL | ₹1,47,800.00 |
FAQ’s
What are the 3 barrages of Kaleshwaram project?
Most people think that Kaleshwaram Means only of the Medigadda Barrage, but that is not completely correct. Kaleshwaram includes three barrages: Medigadda Barrage, Annaram Barrage, and Sundilla Barrage. It features 1500+ gravity canals, 20 reservoirs, 20 Bahubali lifts, 240 TMC capacity, covers 13 districts, and benefits 25 million people. More than 9 million acres of land are irrigated. Primarily, Kaleshwaram has solved Telangana’s water problems, mainly benefiting farmers.
What is Kaleshwaram Project Budget?
₹81,911 crore initially projected to the Central Water Commission. The capital cost for irrigation works out to ₹6.42 lakh per acre. But After Construction it exceed to ₹1.47 lakh crore
Kaleshwaram Project Capacity in TMC?
The Kaleshwaram project has a total water available of 240 TMC. It includes a reservoir capacity of 147.71 TMC and lifts 195 TMC of water from the Godavari River. Of this, 20 TMC is lifted from the SYP, and 25 TMC comes from groundwater. The project provides 169 TMC of water for irrigation, 40 TMC for drinking water supply to the twin cities and surrounding villages, and 16 TMC for industrial use.
Kaleshwaram Project how many Gates?
The Kaleshwaram Project has 19 gates in total. These gates are part of the various barrages and reservoirs in the project, designed to manage the flow of water.
Who is Kaleshwaram Project Contractor?
Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL)