Gandhinagar: Rs 16,148 crore has been spent so far on Phase 1 and 2 of the Sauni Yojana project according to the state government.

The state government in reply to a set of questions from Congress MLAs stated that the project was granted an in-principle approval of Rs 18,563 crore and the government still has Rs 2,415 crore to be used for the project.

The project is expected to be completed by 2023, the state government stated.

During the survey for phase 2, it was found that more pipelines were needed and hence the project cost was increased, stated the government. The rates were fixed as per the system of record (SOR) of the Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB) of 2011-12, the government stated and added that there was an increase in the steel prices during implementation of the project. The pipe dimension had also increased. The right of way and the cost of electricity connection, which were not taken into account for the primary approval, were included in the secondary approval given in 2018, states the state government.