Foundation Laid for Dowleswaram Barrage Modernization

The coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has initiated the modernization of the Sir Arthur Cotton Dowleswaram Barrage, a lifeline for the Godavari districts that provides irrigation and drinking water to lakhs of acres. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will formally launch the replacement of outdated gates on July 13. With the existing gates crossing 50 years of service life, the Central Water Commission had recommended their replacement. Acting on these guidelines, the government has approved modernization works at a cost of ₹152.95 crore to enhance the safety and efficiency of the barrage.

Under the project, 117 dilapidated floodgates will be replaced with advanced systems, along with repairs to 12 head sluice gates, installation of new rubber seals for 175 crest gates, and fitting of 734 roller bearings. The contract has been awarded to BECOM Infra Projects Private Limited, with a completion timeline of two years. The Chief Minister will also interact with farmers at Atreyapuram and review Polavaram project works during his visit. The initiative marks a major step toward strengthening irrigation infrastructure in the state.