Rajasthan to Construct India's Largest Aqueduct Over Chambal River by 2028
In a landmark infrastructure development, Rajasthan is set to build the country's largest aqueduct over the Chambal River, with completion targeted for June 2028. This monumental structure represents a critical component of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which aims to revolutionize water supply across 17 districts in the eastern part of the state.
A Crucial Component for Water Security
Water Resources Department Minister Suresh Singh Rawat confirmed the ambitious timeline, stating, "We have plans to supply water through ERCP by 2028. The aqueduct over the Chambal River is a crucial component of the project. The department is working at full scale to complete this unique structure within the stipulated deadline." The minister recently visited the construction site in Guhatha village, Bundi district, approximately 200 kilometers from Jaipur, where the aqueduct is taking shape.
The aqueduct, measuring about 2.3 kilometers in length, will serve as a vital link between the under-construction Navrena Barrage in Kota and the Mej Barrage in the Indragarh area of Bundi. Designed to be the largest in both length and water-carrying capacity in India, this structure will enable the efficient transfer of feeder water across the challenging terrain.
Engineering Marvel with Environmental Sensitivity
Ravi Solanki, Managing Director of Rajasthan Water Grid Corporation Limited, emphasized the project's dual focus on scale and environmental preservation. "When we planned the project, the Chambal River lay across the transfer route. As it is a crocodile reserve, disturbing its ecology was not an option. The aqueduct was planned to preserve the river while transferring feeder water without harming the ecosystem," Solanki explained.
The innovative three-layer design of the aqueduct includes:
- A primary water channel for efficient water transfer
- Structural elements that minimize ecological disruption
- A top deck that will feature a road, enhancing connectivity between Bundi and Lalsot
This multi-functional approach not only addresses water supply needs but also improves regional transportation infrastructure while safeguarding the sensitive Chambal River ecosystem.
Transformative Impact on Eastern Rajasthan
The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project represents one of the most significant water management initiatives in the state's history. By enabling reliable water supply to 17 districts, the project aims to:
- Address chronic water scarcity in eastern Rajasthan
- Support agricultural development and food security
- Promote industrial growth and economic diversification
- Improve quality of life for millions of residents
The Chambal River aqueduct stands as the centerpiece of this transformative project, demonstrating how large-scale infrastructure can be developed with careful consideration for environmental conservation. As construction progresses toward the 2028 deadline, this engineering marvel promises to reshape Rajasthan's water landscape while setting new standards for ecologically sensitive development.
