Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu said on Friday that the Veligonda project will be completed and water will be supplied by 2026.
The Minister evaluated the progress of the project through a video conference with officials of the Department of Water Resources and representatives of the implementing bodies. He directed that the lining work of Tunnel-2 be completed by June 2026 and emphasized that all the remaining works must be done in a planned and systematic manner and completed before the start of the next season.
About 3.2 km of the total 7 km lining work of Tunnel-2 has been completed so far, while the remaining 3.6 km is planned by June 2026. The minister said the work slowed down in November after Cyclone Montha caused water to enter the tunnels. After dewatering, liner work resumed in December and 432 meters of the targeted 456 meters were completed.
Four gantry cranes are currently working on the lining of tunnel 2. The minister directed the officials to immediately deploy one more gantry crane to ensure that the remaining work is completed as per schedule.
Referring to the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) stuck in Tunnel-2, the Minister said that the Technical Committee has submitted its report to the government and based on its recommendations, necessary steps will be taken to remove the TBM.
He also ordered that work on lining the feeder and retaining wall be started immediately and completed by the end of the season. Following the instructions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister said that water should be released to Veligonda during the current season itself. He assured that he will personally monitor the project to ensure its completion by 2026.
Water Resources Department Advisor Venkateswara Rao, Chief Engineer Narasimhamurthy, Chief Project Engineer Shyam Prasad, Chief Engineer Abutalem, engineers, agency representatives and senior officials.
Published – 26 Dec 2025 20:50 IST
