Centre Speeds Up Approval Process for Mega Water Project
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s ambitious Ramjal Setu Link Project is rapidly moving toward financial approval from the Central Government, a development that could significantly reshape the state’s water infrastructure and economic future. According to official sources, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has prepared the Public Investment Board (PIB) note for the project, which is expected to be placed before the Union Cabinet in an upcoming meeting. The estimated cost of the mega project is around ₹89,000 crore, and the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led Rajasthan government is seeking 90 percent funding support from the Centre.
Funding Model Similar to Ken-Betwa Project
Officials said the Ramjal Setu Link Project, also referred to as the modified PKC-ERCP framework, is being considered on the lines of the Ken-Betwa River Link Project involving Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Like the Ken-Betwa project, this initiative is also based on the river interlinking concept and involves interstate water transfer between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The project aims to provide drinking water, irrigation facilities, and industrial water supply to water-scarce regions of Rajasthan. Government sources indicated that the process to finalize large-scale central funding is in its final stages.
17 Districts Expected to Benefit
The project is expected to bring substantial relief to 17 districts of Rajasthan that frequently face water shortages and irrigation challenges. These districts include Jaipur, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Baran, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Deeg, Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Kotputli-Behror, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Tonk. Officials believe the project will improve agricultural productivity, strengthen urban and rural drinking water supply systems, support industrial expansion, and help recharge groundwater levels in these regions.
Work on First Phase Already Underway
The Ramjal Setu Link Project is planned in three phases, and approximately 17 percent work of the first phase has already been completed. Major infrastructure works such as the Navnera Barrage and Isarda Dam have been completed, while construction of the Chambal Aqueduct over the Chambal River is currently in progress. Sources said that during the tenure of the previous state government, work orders worth nearly ₹10,000 crore were issued for the first phase. Additionally, around ₹16,000 crore has been allocated for the second phase of the project.
Project Expected to Accelerate After Central Approval
Officials say the pace of work is expected to increase significantly once the Centre approves funding support. Apart from solving long-term water scarcity issues, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and attract industrial investment across eastern Rajasthan. Water management experts have described the Ramjal Setu Link Project as one of the most transformative development initiatives for the state’s future, especially in terms of ensuring sustainable water security and balanced regional development.
