Telangana: The Telangana government has significantly stepped up efforts to restore the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) barrages, but officials have indicated that a full revival of the project is likely only by 2028, given the scale of structural damage and the complex engineering work required.
The project involves three major barrages—Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla—which form the backbone of the multi-stage irrigation system on the Godavari river. These structures have been under scrutiny following reports of serious structural distress, including sinking of piers at Medigadda and design-related issues at the other two barrages, prompting a comprehensive technical reassessment and repair plan.
Multi-Agency Technical Assessment Underway
According to the latest updates, the state government is now accelerating geophysical and geotechnical investigations to assess the extent of damage and determine the safest rehabilitation strategy. Officials have confirmed that the government has engaged global engineering consultancy firm AFRY in collaboration with IIT Bombay, while central agencies such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) are closely monitoring the process to ensure technical compliance and structural safety.
The NDSA has already flagged critical design, planning, and execution flaws in the barrages, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the structures. In response, the government has initiated a detailed scientific review that includes soil testing, hydraulic modelling, and structural analysis, which is expected to guide the final restoration blueprint.
₹1,200 Crore Repair Plan and Phased Restoration Timeline
Officials have indicated that the design finalisation is targeted for October 2026, after which the actual repair and reconstruction work will be taken up in a phased manner during the 2027 and 2028 working seasons. The government has set a tentative timeline to restore full functionality only after completing all technical validations and reconstruction phases, making 2028 the earliest possible year for full revival of the system.
The estimated cost of the rehabilitation is expected to be around ₹1,200 crore, although final figures may change depending on ongoing structural assessments. Authorities are also exploring cost-sharing mechanisms, including possible involvement of original contractors such as L&T, Afcons Infrastructure and Navayuga, who were part of the original execution, though reports suggest they are currently hesitant to take up repair responsibilities.
Safety First Approach Before Reopening Barrages
The government has also formed a high-powered steering committee to supervise the entire restoration process and ensure coordination between technical agencies and contractors. Advanced monitoring techniques, including geophysical surveys and continuous structural tracking systems, are being deployed to prevent further deterioration and support long-term corrective planning.
Officials have clarified that the barrages will remain non-operational until full safety certification is obtained, as premature water release could endanger downstream irrigation systems and infrastructure stability.
The Kaleshwaram project, once hailed as one of the world’s largest lift irrigation systems, plays a crucial role in supplying irrigation and drinking water across several districts of Telangana. However, the ongoing repair strategy reflects a shift toward a more cautious and engineering-driven approach, prioritising structural safety, scientific validation, and phased restoration over rapid reopening.
With extensive technical work still ahead, authorities believe that ensuring long-term durability is more important than quick operational revival, even if the project’s full functionality is delayed until 2028.
