Where 25,000 litres of water gushed in every minute – How this tunnel was built Bhopal – Madhya Pradesh’s engineering marvel, the Sleemanabad Tunnel, is nearly ready. CM Dr. Mohan Yadav inspected it in Katni district on July 17. He called it his dream project. The tunnel will provide permanent irrigation to around 2.45 lakh hectares across 1450 villages in Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Rewa and Panna. It is set to transform farming across the entire Vindhya-Mahakaushal region. What CM said during inspection Dr. Yadav said work began in 3 shifts of 8 hours each. Till 2015, only 1406 meters had been bored, so progress was slow. From 2016, drilling started from the upstream end using a modern machine brought from Germany. After that, engineers, technicians and workers faced several challenges while following safety standards. The project saw long delays. In 2023, when the new government came in, the contractor pulled out. Machines had aged and only one was operational. But the work continued and success came in 2026. “Once complete, the upstream and downstream areas will add around 2.5 lakh hectares to the irrigation network,” the CM said. “A scientific wonder” Dr. Yadav said the Vindhya region is rich in resources but faces water shortage in some places. This tunnel will be a lifeline for 5 districts including Katni, Rewa and Satna. “The Narmada flows into the Gulf of Khambhat. But it’s a scientific achievement that through this historic tunnel, Mother Narmada will now bring greenery to the Son river basin in the Ganga basin too,” he said. He called the tunnel a boon for farmers and traders. The 12-km long project will be a case study in engineering. It is built to stay safe for 100 years and withstand even major earthquakes. At some points it goes 120 feet below ground. He thanked PM Narendra Modi. The project cost is ₹1600 crore, of which the Centre contributed about ₹275 crore. Irrigation and power boost The CM said there was a time when completing the tunnel looked impossible. “With strong resolve and honest work, success follows,” he said. With God’s blessings, the area around Chitrakoot in 5 Vindhya districts — Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Panna and Katni — will see irrigation rise by 2.5 lakh hectares. Drinking water problems will also be solved. Power will be generated at some points. When his government took over, irrigated area was 7.5 lakh hectares. It has now grown to 44 lakh hectares, and to 65 lakh hectares in the last 2.5 years. Big gift in ‘Kisan Kalyan Varsh’ In Farmer Welfare Year, this tunnel is a major gift. In the next 3 months, water will be available for 1 lakh hectares for Rabi crop. Below the tunnel will flow Narmada water, and above it the Katni river will run. The project is a big gift for Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. The CM urged farmers not to sell their land. “This region will overtake Punjab and Haryana. Migration will stop and prosperity will come,” he said. Challenges faced during construction The tunnel is 11.952 km long and will carry Narmada water through the Vindhya range to the Son river by gravity. Engineers faced extreme challenges: hard marble-limestone, tough dolomite, and huge underground limestone caves filled with water. At times 25,000 litres of water per minute was gushing inside. The soil was also prone to sudden caving. Even an American TBM broke down. Later a German Herrenknecht machine and special TBM grouting technology were used. Despite passing under dense settlements, a national highway and railway tracks, there was no damage. Cost and progress The contract was given in 2008 to Hyderabad-based Patel-SEW JV. Initial cost was ₹799 crore. Due to tough geology, water seepage control and new technology, cost rose to ₹1610.47 crore spent so far. 96.66% of work is complete. The 12.135 km open canal and 11.952 km main tunnel are 100% finished. Benefit to 5 districts With a 10.14 meter diameter, the tunnel will carry lakhs of cusecs of Narmada water by gravity, without pumps. Through the Bargi Right Bank Main Canal, 2.45 lakh hectares in 1450 villages of Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Maihar, Rewa and Panna will get irrigation. Direct command area benefits: Katni: 21,823 hectares Maihar: 54,227 hectares Satna: 1,04,970 hectares Rewa: 3,532 hectares Panna: 448 hectares Government roadmap Work on all 8 groups after the tunnel is underway. By March 2026, irrigation potential of 44,160 hectares is already operational. By Dec 2025: 87,433 hectares. By Dec 2027: 1,54,693 hectares. Overall target: 1.85 lakh hectares in Katni, Maihar, Satna, Rewa and Panna. The tunnel will also supply water to 30,307 hectares of other Water Resources Dept projects. Post navigation ‘Rancho Was Not Based on Him’: Aamir Khan Clears Air on 3 Idiots, Concerned for Sonam Wangchuk Ayodhya Ram Temple Conducts 10-Day Atonement Ritual After Alleged Donation Theft
