In a significant development for infrastructure and water management in South India, a Gujarat-based company, Hardware Tools and Machinery Pvt Ltd, ha
In a significant development for infrastructure and water management in South India, a Gujarat-based company, Hardware Tools and Machinery Pvt Ltd, has secured a ₹41.4 crore contract to replace all 33 crest gates of the Tungabhadra Dam, a critical reservoir serving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This ambitious project, aimed at ensuring the dam’s safety and operational efficiency, comes in the wake of a high-profile incident last year that underscored the urgent need for modernization.
The Tungabhadra Dam, commissioned in 1953, is a lifeline for millions of farmers across the three states, irrigating approximately 900,000 hectares in Karnataka and 300,000 hectares in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Spanning the Tungabhadra River near Hospet, the dam has been a cornerstone of agricultural productivity and regional water supply for over seven decades. However, recent reports highlight that its crest gates, designed with a 45-year lifespan, have long exceeded their operational limit, prompting serious safety concerns.
The urgency for this overhaul was amplified in August 2024, when crest gate 19 was washed away during heavy monsoon flows, leading to the release of 36 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the reservoir’s total capacity of 105 TMC. According to experts, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in the dam’s aging infrastructure. A technical assessment by a committee led by former Central Water Commission chairman AK Bajaj revealed that the thickness of most gate components had reduced by 40% to 50% compared to their original design, necessitating immediate replacement to prevent further risks.
Following a competitive e-tender process, Hardware Tools and Machinery Pvt Ltd emerged as the frontrunner among four bidding companies. The Ahmedabad-based firm secured the contract for the comprehensive replacement of all 33 crest gates, with the project cost significantly lower than the allocated budget of ₹52 crore for 32 gates, plus ₹1.6 crore for the 19th gate. Official statements from the Tungabhadra Board indicate that the project is scheduled for completion by June 2026, with work planned during the dry season to minimize disruptions to irrigation and water supply.
The replacement of crest gate 19, already underway, is expected to conclude by July 2025, with the remaining 32 gates to follow in a phased approach. Koppal MP K. Rajashekhar Hitnal emphasized the project’s importance, stating that the new gates will ensure long-term dam safety and reliable water availability for both kharif and rabi agricultural seasons. “The Tungabhadra Reservoir is vital for farmers in this region. This modernization will secure their livelihoods,” he said at a recent press conference.
The project is part of a broader initiative under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), which aims to refurbish aging dams across India. Experts like Kannaiah Naidu, a national authority on hydro-mechanical equipment, have underscored the need for such upgrades, noting that the Tungabhadra Dam’s equipment is 20 years past its intended lifespan. The initiative also aligns with recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which has advised limiting water storage to 80 TMC for the 2025–26 season to reduce stress on the dam’s structure.
This contract award has sparked optimism about the region’s water infrastructure resilience. The Tungabhadra Board, comprising representatives from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the central government, will oversee the project, with costs shared between Karnataka (55%) and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (45%). Recent posts on X reflect local enthusiasm, with users highlighting the Gujarat company’s expertise and the project’s potential to bolster regional development.
As the Tungabhadra Dam undergoes this critical upgrade, the focus remains on balancing modernization with minimal disruption to farmers and downstream communities. With a completion timeline set for mid-2026, the project promises to reinforce the dam’s role as a cornerstone of South India’s agricultural and economic landscape, ensuring its legacy for decades to come.
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