Nimmala Assures NDA Will Complete Veligonda By 2026

It is noteworthy that Ramanaidu traveled 18 kilometers inside the tunnel to inspect the complex lining works. Later, he met with Irrigation department officials, institution representatives and local farmers and evaluated the progress of various works.

The minister argued that the project still requires significant work down to the distribution channels. This will require additional expenditure of ₹3,000–₹4,000 crore. Considering the circumstances, former chief minister YS Jagan criticized Mohan Reddy for declaring the completion of the project.

Ramanaidu told the farmers about the mistakes of the previous government in the implementation of the Veligonda project. He said that since the coalition government took office, it has completed 2,200 cubic meters of concrete work at the head regulator and 3 kilometers of difficult tunnel lining.

Currently, 12 meters of coating work is being done per day on four bridges. The agency was instructed to increase the number of bridges to achieve new goals. 28,000 cubic meters of hard rock have already been excavated against 45,000 cubic meters in the feeder channel.

The minister said tenders worth ₹ 456 million for the construction of feeder canal lining and retaining wall have been finalized and the work will begin this month. He said that 600 meters of tunnel lining and gate installation works are being carried out in the Teegalayeru canal. He pointed out that 9.6 kilometers of permanent diversion road has been constructed due to inundation caused by Nallamala Sagar.

Ramanaidu said that they have repaired the damage caused by cyclone Montha to the feeder canal. Dewatering of the twin tunnels has also been completed to continue the lining work. He maintained that despite financial constraints, the current government has prioritized the completion of the Veligonda project by next year.