Veligonda project works on track, to finish by 2026, says Minister

Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Reservoir Project twin tunnel works will be completed by 2026 and Nallamala Sagar will be filled with the waters of River Krishna, said Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Rama Naidu, while inspecting the ongoing works of the project in Prakasam district on Friday (December 12, 2025). This is his third visit to inspect the works over the last one month.

Addressing the media after travelling 18 km inside the tunnel to inspect the complex lining works and conducting a review with the irrigation officials and agencies, the Minister said, “As per the instructions of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and in accordance with the set targets earlier, we are continuously monitoring Veligonda project works to ensure its completion by next year.”

The Minister said that another ₹4,000 crore will be required to complete the ongoing works as well as the distributary canals. “Despite having so much work to do, it is strange to think how former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dedicated this project to the nation. He is the brand ambassador of fraud and deceit in the history of the State,” he alleged.

After the coalition government came to power, about 2,200 cubic meters of concrete work was completed in the head regulator. The complex lining work up to 3-km in the tunnels was completed within a period of last 18 months. Currently, 12 meters of lining work is being done per day with four gantries,” Mr. Rama Naidu said.

He further said, “The agency has been instructed to increase the number of gantries and complete the work as per the set target. While 45,000 cubic meters of hard rock work is yet to be done in the feeder canal, over 28,000 cubic meters of work has already been completed. The tender process for the construction of feeder canal lining and retaining wall was completed at a cost of ₹456 crore.”

The work started earlier in December. The agency has been instructed to complete it before the next rainy season begins. A 600-meter tunnel lining has been done and gates are being installed for the Teegaleru Canal. The construction work of a 9.6 km permanent diversion road has been completed, the Minister added.