Patel Engineering achieves breakthrough in 12-km irrigation tunnel project in MP

New Delhi, Patel Engineering on Saturday announced achieving breakthrough in a 12-km "India's longest" irrigation tunnel project coming up in Madhya Pradesh at an investment cost of Rs 1,600 crore.

In tunnelling, a breakthrough refers to the moment when teams involved in excavation work from both sides meet at a given point.

In a statement, the company said the breakthrough of India's longest irrigation tunnel project was achieved after overcoming several geological and hydrological challenges.


The 12-km long tunnel is part of Sleemanabad Carrier Canal project that starts from Sleemanabad (Tahuli Village) and connects at Khirani village.

The canal project, once completed, will irrigate nearly 245,000 hectares across Madhya Pradesh while also supplying 284 million litres of domestic and industrial water per day to Jabalpur and Katni.

The Sleemanabad Carrier Canal forms part of the Bargi Diversion Project being developed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority.

Executing the tunnel required navigating one of the most challenging geological environments encountered in India's irrigation infrastructure sector, Patel Engineering said.

The company's Managing Director Kavita Shirvaikar said "the breakthrough is a proud milestone achieved and a significant step towards strengthening irrigation infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh."