The Ken Betwa River Link Project (KBLP) is a monumental initiative under India’s National Perspective Plan (NPP) to interlink rivers for sustainable water resource management.
Project Overview:
Envisioned in 1995, the project aims to address water scarcity in the drought-prone regions of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP). As the first of 30 proposed river interlinking projects, KBLP exemplifies India’s commitment to equitable water distribution and agricultural sustainability.
The Ken Betwa river link project envisages diverting surplus water from the Ken basin to the water short areas of the Betwa basin by substitution. Approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2021, the mega project is estimated to cost 44,605 INR-Crore. It will be implemented in two phases with Phase 1 including the development of the Daudhan Dam and its apparent works, two tunnels, two power houses, and a link canal. Meanwhile, Phase II envisages the development of the lower orrdam, Kotha barrage, and Bina complex.
Phase I: Daudhan Dam and Link Canal
The first phase of the project includes the construction of the Daudhan Dam, a 96.7 M-high and 2.5 Km-wide structure located 2.5 Km upstream of the existing Gangau Weir on the Ken River. It will have a dead storage capacity of 169 MCM and a gross storage capacity of 2,853 MCM.
Additionally, two powerhouses will be developed, one at the toe of the dam and the other at the outlet of the lower-level tunnel. It is expected to produce 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. This will contribute significantly to the region’s energy sustainability while addressing water shortages and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, a 221 Km-long link canal, with a 2 Km tunnel, will be constructed to transfer water from the Ken basin to the Betwa basin.
Phase II: Lower Orrdam and Kotha Barrage
The second phase focuses on the construction of the Lower Orrdam, Kotha Barrage, and the Bina Complex. These will further meet the region’s irrigation and drinking water requirements.
Ken Betwa River Link Project Timeline and Progress
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is spearheading the Ken Betwa River Link Project, alongside the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department (UPID). Meanwhile, the contract for the construction of the Dam has been awarded to NCC Limited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the project’s foundation stone in December 2024. As of January 2025, site preparation has begun and civil work will initiate around September 2025. The overall project (including Phase I & II) is set to complete within eight years.
Expected Benefits
The Ken Betwa River Link Project promises to deliver significant benefits to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. The project will create an annual irrigation potential of 10.62 Lakh-Hectares. Of this, 8.11 Lakh-Hectares will be in Madhya Pradesh and 2.51 Lakh-Hectares in Uttar Pradesh. The project will also provide drinking water to 62 lakh people. The bifurcation includes 4.4 million in 12 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 2 million in 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The KBLP will also alleviate the water woes of the Bundelkhand region, which has been grappling with recurrent droughts. By ensuring reliable water availability, the river linking project will transform livelihoods as well as foster economic growth.
Project details:
| Name of the Project | NWDA Ken Betwa River Linking Project |
| Latest Status | Status: Pre-construction As of January 2025, site preparation has begun and civil work will initiate around September 2025. |
| Location | Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh |
| Construction Cost (INR-Crore) | 44,605 INR-Crore |
| Description | The scope of work for the construction of Daudhan Dam involves: – Supply of reinforced Steel TMT bars – Supply of structural steel – Laying of cement concrete – Laying of canal work – Construction of Dam – 96.7 M High, Length – 2.5 KM – Supply of pump – Construction of power house – 2 Number – Dead and gross storage capacities are 169 MCM and 2,853 MCM respectively The five rivers involved in Ken Betwa River Linking Project (KBLP): Daman ganga – Pinjal Par – Tapi – Narmada Godavari – Krishna Krishna – Penner Pennar -Cauvery The project seeks to provide the following: – Yearly irrigation for around 10 Lakh-Hectares Increase potable water supplies – Generate 103 MW of hydropower in the Bundelkhand region. |
| Building use | Segment: Water Sub-Segment: Dam, Small, Medium & Large Irrigation Schemes |
| Sector | Public |
| Construction start | 2024 |
| Project completion (Estimated timeline) | 2030 |
Conclusion
The Ken Betwa River Link Project is a landmark initiative that promises to transform water management in India, particularly for the arid Bundelkhand region. By addressing irrigation needs, ensuring drinking water supply, and generating renewable energy, it serves as a model for sustainable development. KBLP is not just a solution for water scarcity but a step forward in inter-state collaboration and integrated resource management. With its completion, it will boost agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, as well as support regional economic growth.
ABOUT
National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
Formed in 1982, this government body aims to effectively manage India’s water resources. It is responsible for carrying out comprehensive studies as well as feasibility assessments for river interlinking initiatives. NWDA also plays a key role in implementing major water projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department (UPID)
The UPID was created to efficiently manage the state’s water resources. It performs in-depth studies and feasibility evaluations for various irrigation projects. UPID is also in charge of constructing and maintaining water infrastructure such as dams, canals, and wells, and plays an integral role in executing irrigation schemes under government programs.
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Disclaimer: This article uses data from Biltrax Construction Data’s proprietary platform. It also uses feature images that may not represent the project. However, they are merely for illustration purposes.
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