India is planning a major project to manage water from the Indus River for northern states. The move comes after the government suspended the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, aiming to secure water for India ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Officials said a 14-km tunnel will link the Indus River to the Beas River under the Inter-Basin Indus Water Transfer Scheme. L&T is preparing the detailed project report (DPR), expected by next year. The tunnel will also connect to the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir, transferring water from the Ujh River to the Beas Basin.
Construction will use tunnel boring machines and rock shield technology to ensure speed and safety. Experts estimate the tunnel will take three to four years and cost Rs 4,000-5,000 crore. Work on a 113-km canal is also planned to bring water to northern states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
The project will increase irrigation in Rajasthan, supply drinking water, and connect the Chenab River to the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej system. Officials said this will prevent excess water from India’s share from flowing to Pakistan and strengthen the country’s water security amid changing rainfall patterns.
