Narmada: In a detailed status report as of January 31, 2026, the state government has provided an update on the progress of the Narmada Project, highlighting that the vast majority of its infrastructure is now functional.

As per the government reply in the state assembly, core components of the project, including the Narmada Dam construction, the Power House, Garudeshwar Weir, and the Gora High Level Bridge, have been completed. Furthermore, pumping stations for the Saurashtra and Kutch branch canals are finished, alongside small hydro projects and a solar power plant on the Vadodara branch canal.

Canal Network Progress

Of the total planned network of 69,829.67 km, a total of 63,939.75 km has been completed. Approximately 5,889.91 km of the network, primarily at the sub-minor level, remains to be built.

Irrigation Impact and Future Timeline

The ultimate goal of the Narmada Project is to bring irrigation to 18 lakh hectares. Current data indicates that 17.26 lakh hectares have already been integrated into the irrigation benefit area. Of this, 15.55 lakh hectares are fully developed down to the minor and sub-minor canal levels, where water is provided based on farmer demand and availability.

The government said the remaining works of the canal network will be completed after necessary approvals from concerned departments regarding land acquisition and utility crossings.

Construction of sub-minor canals will be carried out with the participation of farmers, and works will be taken up phase-wise after obtaining consent from farmers in the command area.

The state also confirmed that the 9 MW hydropower project at Garudeshwar Weir is scheduled for completion during the 2026–27 financial year. DeshGujarat