Polavaram Achieves Breakthrough with Completion of Diaphragm Wall

The Polavaram Project has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its diaphragm wall , a critical structure that underpins the dam’s foundation . Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed satisfaction over the progress and praised engineers and officials for delivering the complex component.

The 1,372-metre-long diaphragm wall, built deep beneath the riverbed , is designed to prevent water seepage and protect the foundation from erosion . The structure was executed using advanced trench-cutting and slurry-supported construction techniques by the renowned German construction company BAUER Group , in close partnership with the project’s main contractor Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) , combining global expertise with local execution.

Notably, the diaphragm wall had already been completed in 2018 , prior to the change in government. However, subsequent delays in executing key protective works left the structure exposed. Floods in later years caused damage, with expert assessments attributing the issue to execution gaps rather than any flaw in design.

As repairs to the damaged sections were found unfeasible, authorities opted to construct a new diaphragm wall alongside the original one. This required an additional expenditure of around ₹1,000 crore .

With the diaphragm wall now in place, construction of the earth-cum-rock fill dam is expected to gather pace. The removal of major technical constraints is likely to accelerate progress in the next phase.

The project has received substantial backing from the Centre, with over ₹12,000 crore approved for its execution. Improved coordination between state and central agencies, along with close monitoring by the Chief Minister, has contributed to faster progress.

The government is targeting completion of the project by 2027 , in line with the Godavari Pushkaram . Once operational, Polavaram is expected to enhance irrigation , provide drinking water , and support power generation across Andhra Pradesh.