The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, Telangana. Currently the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, its farthest upstream influence is at the confluence of the Pranhita and Godavari rivers.
Billed as the lifeline of Telangana, the project was inaugurated on 21 June 2019 by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, along with the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The project aims to harness the flood waters of the Godavari to make Telangana drought-proof, providing irrigation, drinking water, and industrial water supply across 13 districts.
An engineering marvel that lifted a river. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in modern India. Conceived by the Telangana government under Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, the project was designed to lift water from the Godavari River to elevations of up to 618 metres, transforming the drought-prone regions of Telangana into fertile agricultural land.
The project was originally conceptualised as the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi project. However, the location was later changed from Tummidihatti to Medigadda due to better water availability and objections from Maharashtra. The foundation stone was laid on 2 May 2016 at Kannepally, and the project was completed in just three years – a remarkable feat given its massive scale. The project is divided into 7 links and 28 packages, spanning approximately 500 km through 13 districts.
Project Highlights – The World's Largest Lift Irrigation System
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. Here are the key highlights:
- Scale: World's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project.
- Water Source: Godavari River at Kaleshwaram, with upstream influence at the confluence of Pranhita and Godavari.
- Water Capacity: Total of 240 TMC (195 from Medigadda Barrage, 20 from Sripada Yellampalli project, and 25 from groundwater).
- Allocation: 169 TMC for irrigation, 30 TMC for Hyderabad municipal water, 16 TMC for industrial uses, and 10 TMC for drinking water in villages.
- Irrigation: Designed to irrigate 37–45 lakh acres of land.
- Infrastructure: 3 barrages, 1,531 km of gravity canals, 203 km of tunnels, 20 lifts, 19 pump houses, and 20 reservoirs.
- Pumping Capacity: 88 pumps with capacities ranging from 27 MW to 139 MW, consuming 13,558 mega units of power.
- Largest Pump House: At Ramadugu (Medaram), requiring seven 140 MWh pumps designed by BHEL, likely the largest in Asia.
- Drinking Water: Provides 40 TMC drinking water to Hyderabad and several towns and villages.
Project Infrastructure – The Engineering Backbone
The project's infrastructure is a massive network designed to move water across vast distances and elevations. The key components include:
Barrages
- Medigadda Barrage: The primary barrage where water is first lifted from the Godavari. This is the most critical structure.
- Annaram Barrage: The second barrage in the series.
- Sundilla Barrage: The third barrage in the series.
Water Conveyance System
- Gravity Canals: 1,531 km of canals carrying water by gravity.
- Tunnels: 203 km of tunnels. The reservoirs are connected by a network of tunnels totaling about 330 km.
Pumping Infrastructure
- Total Lifts: 20 water lifts to raise water to a height of 618 metres.
- Pump Houses: 19 pump houses equipped with 88 pumps.
- Power Consumption: The project is estimated to consume 7,152 MW of electricity to pump 3 TMC of water per day.
- Largest Pump House: The Lakshmi Pumphouse has 7 motors each of 139 MW, totaling 973 MW.
- Pump Manufacturers: Pumps designed and supplied by BHEL and other leading manufacturers.
Reservoirs
- Number: 20 reservoirs constructed with a total storage capacity of 145 TMC.
- Key Reservoirs: Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla, Mid Manair, Upper Manair, Mallanna Sagar, Kondapochamma Sagar and several others across the command area.
Water Allocation – How 240 TMC is Distributed
The total water of 240 TMC is allocated across various sectors to benefit the people of Telangana:
- Irrigation: 169 TMC for irrigating 37–45 lakh acres of farmland across 13 districts.
- Drinking Water – Hyderabad: 30 TMC for the municipal water supply of Hyderabad city.
- Drinking Water – Villages: 10 TMC for drinking water in rural villages across the state.
- Industrial Use: 16 TMC for industrial purposes, supporting economic growth.
- Others: Balance water reserved for other uses as per government allocation.
Note: The project also aims to provide 40 TMC drinking water to Hyderabad and several towns and villages cumulatively.
History & Timeline – From Conception to Inauguration
The Kaleshwaram project has a fascinating history that spans decades:
- Original Concept: The project was originally conceptualised as the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi project, based on the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal report of 1975.
- Location Change: The project location was changed from Tummidihatti to Medigadda due to better water availability and objections from Maharashtra.
- Foundation: On 2 May 2016, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao laid the foundation stone at Kannepally.
- Construction: The project was completed in a record three years, a remarkable achievement given its massive scale.
- Inauguration: On 21 June 2019, the project was inaugurated by Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chief Ministers K. Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), and Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh).
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Medigadda barrage in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. KCR switched on a motor at the Kannepally pump house, and water gushed out of the pressure mains, marking the project becoming functional.
Challenges & Current Status
Despite its scale and ambition, the Kaleshwaram project has faced significant challenges, particularly regarding structural integrity:
- Barrage Damage: In October 2023, a pillar of the Medigadda barrage sank, raising serious safety concerns.
- Structural Issues: The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) reported structural distress in all three barrages (Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla) due to poor design and lack of proper geotechnical studies.
- Rehabilitation: The barrages are unlikely to be fully operational before 2028. The government is undertaking rehabilitation as per NDSA recommendations.
- Cost Overruns: The project cost has escalated significantly from the initial estimates.
Kaleshwaram remains a landmark project in irrigation engineering, though its future depends on resolving critical infrastructure challenges.
Project Stages, Districts Covered & Irrigation Benefits
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is designed in six stages, lifting water from the Godavari River at Medigadda (approx. 100 m elevation) to a height of 618 metres. The project spans 7 links and 28 packages, covering 13 districts of Telangana. Below is a stage‑by‑stage breakdown of the route, the districts served, and the irrigation potential.
Stage 1 – Medigadda Barrage to Annaram Barrage
Starting Point: Medigadda Barrage (Godavari River, Bhupalpally district)
End Point: Annaram Barrage (Bhupalpally district)
Districts Covered: Jayashankar Bhupalpally
Key Infrastructure: First lift from Godavari; Medigadda is the primary barrage where water is first lifted.
Stage 2 – Annaram Barrage to Sundilla Barrage
Starting Point: Annaram Barrage (Bhupalpally district)
End Point: Sundilla Barrage (Bhupalpally district)
Districts Covered: Jayashankar Bhupalpally
Key Infrastructure: Second lift; Sundilla is the third barrage in the series.
Stage 3 – Sundilla Barrage to Sripada Yellampalli Project
Starting Point: Sundilla Barrage (Bhupalpally district)
End Point: Sripada Yellampalli Project (Peddapalli district)
Districts Covered: Bhupalpally → Peddapalli
Key Infrastructure: Water transferred to existing Sripada Yellampalli reservoir (20 TMC capacity).
Stage 4 – Sripada Yellampalli to Mid Manair Reservoir
Starting Point: Sripada Yellampalli (Peddapalli district)
End Point: Mid Manair Reservoir (Karimnagar district)
Districts Covered: Peddapalli → Karimnagar
Key Infrastructure: Water lifted through 6 packages; includes tunnels and pump houses. Mid Manair has a capacity of 25 TMC.
Stage 5 – Mid Manair Reservoir to Upper Manair Reservoir
Starting Point: Mid Manair Reservoir (Karimnagar district)
End Point: Upper Manair Reservoir (Karimnagar district)
Districts Covered: Karimnagar
Key Infrastructure: Lift through 3 packages; further elevation. Upper Manair is part of the existing Lower Manair Dam (25 TMC) system.
Stage 6 – Upper Manair Reservoir to Ranganayaka Sagar & Mallanna Sagar
Starting Point: Upper Manair Reservoir (Karimnagar district)
End Point: Ranganayaka Sagar → Mallanna Sagar (Siddipet district)
Districts Covered: Karimnagar → Siddipet
Key Infrastructure: Water is lifted to Ranganayaka Sagar (3 TMC capacity, 50,000 acres command) and then to Mallanna Sagar, the largest reservoir under KLIP with a capacity of 50 TMC. Mallanna Sagar is the primary distribution hub of the project, supplying water to Kondapochamma Sagar and other downstream reservoirs.
Beyond Stage 6 – Downstream Reservoirs
From Mallanna Sagar, water is distributed to several downstream reservoirs:
- Kondapochamma Sagar: Located at the highest point (618 m elevation) with a capacity of 15 TMC. It irrigates 2.85 lakh acres in Siddipet, Sangareddy, Medak, Yadadri-Bhongir and Medchal Malkajgiri districts.
- Basavapur Reservoir: Under construction with a capacity of 11.5 TMC.
- Gandhamalla Reservoir: Planned to extend irrigation further.
- Seethammasagar: Proposed with 35 TMC capacity.
- Sammakkasagar: Proposed with 7.5 TMC capacity.
Note: While Kondapochamma Sagar is at the highest elevation, Mallanna Sagar (50 TMC) is the largest and primary storage reservoir of the Kaleshwaram project. The project's water distribution network extends beyond Kondapochamma to additional proposed reservoirs.
Drinking Water Supply to Hyderabad & Nalgonda
To Hyderabad: Water from Mallanna Sagar is being directed to Hyderabad through a dedicated Godavari Drinking Water Supply Scheme (GDWSP). The key components include:
- Take-off Point: A dedicated intake pump house at Mallanna Sagar.
- Capacity: Designed to draw 200 TMC of raw water.
- Transmission: Two parallel 3000 mm diameter pipelines pumping water approximately 50 km to Ghanpur.
- Treatment: A 1170 MLD water treatment plant at Ghanpur.
- Allocation: 175 TMC for urban water supply and 25 TMC for Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs.
- Completion: Expected by December 2027.
To Nalgonda: Water from Kaleshwaram is being directed to Nalgonda through a multi-pronged approach:
- Route: From the KLIS main system to the Nagarjuna Sagar command area via the Asif Nagar Canal.
- Key Infrastructure: The Udaya Samudram lift irrigation project and Pedadevulapalli Cheruvu serve as terminal storage.
- Irrigation Target: Designed to cover 3.65 lakh acres in Nalgonda.
- Drinking Water: Aims to provide clean drinking water to fluoride-affected villages in Nalgonda.
- Related Projects: SLBC tunnel, Dindi Lift Irrigation Scheme and Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) also contribute to water supply in the region.
District‑wise Irrigation Benefits (Total Potential)
The project is designed to irrigate 37–45 lakh acres across 13 districts. The major irrigation beneficiaries are:
- Siddipet – Major beneficiary from Mallanna Sagar and Kondapochamma Sagar
- Karimnagar – Large command area under Mid Manair and Upper Manair reservoirs
- Medak – Receives water via distribution canals from Mallanna Sagar
- Sangareddy – Irrigated from Kondapochamma Sagar and proposed Gandhamalla reservoir
- Yadadri-Bhongir – Covered by Kondapochamma Sagar command
- Medchal Malkajgiri – Drinking water and irrigation from the system
- Rajanna Sircilla – Beneficiary from Mallanna Sagar canals
- Rangareddy – Irrigation and drinking water supply
- Hyderabad – Drinking water (30 TMC allocated from Mallanna Sagar)
- Nalgonda – Part of the ayacut via downstream canals and dedicated schemes
- Warangal – Beneficiary through connections from the system
- Khammam – Some areas covered
- Jayashankar Bhupalpally – The originating district
The project also supplies 40 TMC of drinking water to Hyderabad and several towns and villages across these districts.
Note: As of 2025, the project is not yet fully operational due to barrage damage and incomplete canal networks. The full irrigation potential is yet to be realised. Completion of repairs and canal construction is expected by 2028, which will unlock the full benefits for all 13 districts.
Visitor Information
Address & Access
Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project
Kaleshwaram, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District,
Telangana, India
Distance:
≈240 km from Hyderabad (5 hours by road)
≈100 km from Warangal
Enquiries
District Administration: Bhupalpally District Contact
Free entry; no ticket required
Official Info
Timings & Best Season
Open: Daily, sunrise to sunset. Public access is generally allowed on the bund roads.
Best season: October – February (pleasant weather).
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): The project is most spectacular during the monsoon when water is being lifted.
Time needed: 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the engineering marvel.
Accessibility
The project site is accessible by road. The Medigadda barrage and pump houses are the main attractions. Some areas may have restricted access for security reasons.
How to Reach
By Air: Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, located 240 km away.
By Train: Jayashankar Bhupalpally can be reached from Warangal, which is well connected to major cities by rail. Warangal and Kazipet are major railway stations on the Hyderabad-New Delhi and Chennai-Kolkata routes.
By Road: Jayashankar Bhupalpally is well connected by road. Direct buses connect Hyderabad to Jayashankar Bhupalpally at regular intervals, taking about 5 hours from the state capital.
Local transport: From Bhupalpally town, hire a taxi or auto to reach the project site. The Medigadda barrage is the main point of interest.
Suggested 1‑Day Itinerary (Hyderabad → Kaleshwaram → Warangal)
- 6:00 AM: Depart from Hyderabad.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Kaleshwaram. Visit the Medigadda Barrage – the first barrage and the main site of the project.
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Explore the pump houses at Kannepally and the Kaleshwara Muktheshwara Temple, a historic temple at the site.
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch (carry packed food – limited eateries).
- 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Drive to Warangal (≈100 km) and visit the Thousand Pillar Temple or Warangal Fort.
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Explore Warangal Fort and the iconic Kakatiya Keerthi Thoranas.
- 6:00 PM: Return to Hyderabad (≈2.5 hours).
Tip: If you have an extra day, combine with Ramappa Temple (UNESCO) and Laknavaram Lake.
Attractions Nearby
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
- Warangal (≈100 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), Hotel Ashoka, Hotel Ravi Teja, many budget options.
- Jayashankar Bhupalpally: Limited guest houses and lodges. Better to stay in Warangal.
- Hyderabad: Wide range of hotels if visiting from the capital.
Food & Tips
- Limited eateries near Kaleshwaram – carry your own food and water.
- Meals available in Bhupalpally town (≈20 km).
- Warangal has a wide range of restaurants and dhabas.
Essential Travel Tips
Pro tip: Kaleshwaram is a marvel of modern engineering. The best time to visit is during the monsoon (July–September) when the Godavari is in full flow and the pumps are actively lifting water. The Medigadda barrage offers spectacular views of the river and the massive infrastructure. For photography, early morning and late afternoon light are best. The site is not crowded like tourist spots, offering a peaceful experience for those interested in engineering and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Entry is free.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: October–February for pleasant weather; July–September to see the project in full operation.
Q: How long does it take to see the project?
A: About 2–3 hours to explore the barrage and pump houses.
Q: Can we take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is allowed in public areas.
Q: Is the project safe to visit?
A: Yes, the public areas are safe. However, some areas may have restricted access for security reasons.
Q: Are there guides available?
A: Not formally. You can request information from the project office.
Q: How far is Kaleshwaram from Hyderabad?
A: Approximately 240 km (5 hours by road).