+
ICRA: Rs 2 lakh cr business potential for interlinking river projects
ECONOMY & POLICY

ICRA: Rs 2 lakh cr business potential for interlinking river projects

A recent study by rating agency ICRA reveals that engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms could unlock business opportunities worth Rs 2 lakh crore over the next decade through the completion of four priority interlinking river (ILR) projects.

Approximately Rs 80,000 crore of this potential is expected to be awarded in the next four years, particularly benefiting companies engaged in large irrigation projects.

The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has pinpointed 30 ILR projects—16 linked to peninsular rivers and 14 to Himalayan rivers—that will receive funding from the Government of India (60%) and state governments (40%).

ICRA highlights a significant increase in the central government's focus on the water sector, reflected in a budget allocation exceeding Rs 78,000 crore for the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJ).

Chintan Lakhani, Vice President and Sector Head - Corporate Ratings at ICRA, noted, "The four-priority links mark the onset of a decade-long ILR project implementation. Although their share in the ministry's budget is currently about 5% (around Rs 3,908 crore), this is expected to grow as more projects receive approval and construction accelerates."

The NWDA has identified four priority projects for early implementation: the Ken Betwa, Kosi-Mechi, Parabati Kalisindh Chambal, and Godavari-Cauvery links. Among these, the Godavari-Cauvery project represents the largest investment, accounting for 45% of the total project cost, while the Kosi-Mechi link is the smallest at 4%. The Ken Betwa project, which has already commenced, constitutes 21% of the cost for these priority links.

A recent study by rating agency ICRA reveals that engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms could unlock business opportunities worth Rs 2 lakh crore over the next decade through the completion of four priority interlinking river (ILR) projects. Approximately Rs 80,000 crore of this potential is expected to be awarded in the next four years, particularly benefiting companies engaged in large irrigation projects. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has pinpointed 30 ILR projects—16 linked to peninsular rivers and 14 to Himalayan rivers—that will receive funding from the Government of India (60%) and state governments (40%). ICRA highlights a significant increase in the central government's focus on the water sector, reflected in a budget allocation exceeding Rs 78,000 crore for the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJ). Chintan Lakhani, Vice President and Sector Head - Corporate Ratings at ICRA, noted, The four-priority links mark the onset of a decade-long ILR project implementation. Although their share in the ministry's budget is currently about 5% (around Rs 3,908 crore), this is expected to grow as more projects receive approval and construction accelerates. The NWDA has identified four priority projects for early implementation: the Ken Betwa, Kosi-Mechi, Parabati Kalisindh Chambal, and Godavari-Cauvery links. Among these, the Godavari-Cauvery project represents the largest investment, accounting for 45% of the total project cost, while the Kosi-Mechi link is the smallest at 4%. The Ken Betwa project, which has already commenced, constitutes 21% of the cost for these priority links.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code