Interlinking Rivers (ILR) to Boost Business

25 Sep 2024 CW Team

Four Priority Projects:

The Godavari-Cauvery link is the largest, representing 45% of total expenditure, followed by the Ken-Betwa link, accounting for 21%. Other notable projects include the Kosi-Mechi and Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal links. These projects are expected to form the backbone of a decade-long ILR plan, starting with ?3,908 crore allocated from the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s budget. The total expenditure for the top four priority projects by FY35 is projected at ?2.6 lakh crore, marking significant infrastructural development in India's water management sector. Business Opportunities for EPC:

EPC companies will benefit from the large-scale irrigation developments, and with 60% of funding from the central government, financial risks are mitigated. Challenges remain, particularly with the remaining 40% reliance on state government finances, which could slow down project execution. ILR projects are expected to commence gradually, with the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal and Godavari-Cauvery links likely starting by FY28-FY29. Government Focus on Water Sector:

The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s budget for FY25 has increased to Rs.78,000 crore, with a continued focus on the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has seen a 69% growth rate over the past six years. The government’s growing involvement in water infrastructure promises sustained development and funding for ILR projects. With consensus-building between states being crucial, ILR projects like Ken-Betwa and Kosi-Mechi will lay the groundwork for more complex projects, helping drive India’s economic growth and water resource management.

India’s ambitious Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects could present Rs.2 lakh crore worth of business opportunities for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies over the next four years, according to ICRA. Four key priority river links are set to generate significant economic growth, with ?80,000 crore directed toward large-scale irrigation projects. Four Priority Projects: The Godavari-Cauvery link is the largest, representing 45% of total expenditure, followed by the Ken-Betwa link, accounting for 21%. Other notable projects include the Kosi-Mechi and Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal links. These projects are expected to form the backbone of a decade-long ILR plan, starting with ?3,908 crore allocated from the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s budget. The total expenditure for the top four priority projects by FY35 is projected at ?2.6 lakh crore, marking significant infrastructural development in India's water management sector. Business Opportunities for EPC: EPC companies will benefit from the large-scale irrigation developments, and with 60% of funding from the central government, financial risks are mitigated. Challenges remain, particularly with the remaining 40% reliance on state government finances, which could slow down project execution. ILR projects are expected to commence gradually, with the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal and Godavari-Cauvery links likely starting by FY28-FY29. Government Focus on Water Sector: The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s budget for FY25 has increased to Rs.78,000 crore, with a continued focus on the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has seen a 69% growth rate over the past six years. The government’s growing involvement in water infrastructure promises sustained development and funding for ILR projects. With consensus-building between states being crucial, ILR projects like Ken-Betwa and Kosi-Mechi will lay the groundwork for more complex projects, helping drive India’s economic growth and water resource management.

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..