Polavaram set for Mar 2028 finish

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials and contractors of the Polavaram project to work in close coordination to ensure the timely completion of the project.
During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed the steps taken over the past four months to address challenges inherited from the previous administration. Naidu emphasised the need for clearances at different project stages, along with addressing technical and financial issues impacting project progress.
Officials briefed the CM on the work undertaken since the TDP-led government came to power, including dewatering efforts essential for the diaphragm wall construction. They informed him that a conducive environment has been created for diaphragm wall works, and a request for design approval was sent to the Central Water Commission (CWC) on October 24.
The diaphragm wall, planned to span 1,396 meters, is set to begin construction in January if the CWC grants approval. Officials noted that concurrent permission is also sought for the diaphragm wall and ECRF (Earth-cum-Rock Filling) works. Further technical clarity is expected after a workshop at Polavaram scheduled from Wednesday till October 9.  Naidu directed officials to discuss with the CWC the feasibility of undertaking diaphragm wall and ECRF works simultaneously. Construction company representatives assured that if diaphragm works commence in January, they can be completed within a year, while ECRF dam works would require an additional 24 months. If carried out concurrently, the works could be finished by July 2027, or separately by March 2028.
The CM stressed the importance of adhering to quality standards and guidelines. Officials reported that 77 percent of the Polavaram left bank canal works have been completed, with tenders issued for additional works worth Rs 960 crore, set to start in December and finish by July 2025. For Phase-1, Rs 7,213 crore is needed for land acquisition and R&R (Relief and Rehabilitation) as 16,440 more acres are required.
The CM instructed that these activities progress alongside construction, with funds to be released as needed. The review also included plans to expand the Polavaram right bank canal to a 30,000 cusecs capacity and construct an iconic bridge over the project.
Chandrababu Naidu urged the construction company to expedite power project works and obtain all necessary clearances. He announced plans to visit Polavaram this month to release a detailed project plan.
Officials also updated the CM on the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation project, which requires Rs 2,463 crore to irrigate three lakh acres, and reviewed the progress of the Veligonda project.
Minister Rama Naidu, officials from the Irrigation Department, and representatives from construction companies attended the review meeting.