Polavaram spillway by June 2020: MEIL Chairman

Tadepalli: Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) on Thursday commenced works on the spillway construction of Polavaram Irrigation Project. MEIL has prepared a project plan on completing the project as per the schedule. As a part of the project schedule, MEIL will be totalling 2,000 cubic metres of concrete work every day. Krishna Reddy, chairman of MEIL, said that the Polavaram Project’s spillway works are expected to be completed by June 2020.

Krishna Reddy further said that MEIL had hired experts who were part of the Kaleshwaram Project for the Polavaram project works. MEIL was expected to finish 100 cubic meters of concrete work on the first day, i.e. November 21, 2019.

“Megha Engineering is in the process of making preparations for the completion of these tasks by increasing the percentage of work by the day. MEIL has planned to complete 2,000 cubic metres concrete work each day to complete the Polavaram spillway construction by June 2020,” remarked Reddy.

MEIL has acquired the Polavaram contract from the Andhra Pradesh government through reverse tendering launched by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government. The AP government saved Rs 782 crore through this reverse tendering.

Soon after getting the tender, Megha Engineering immediately got into action and repaired the roads connecting the Polavaram project. The roads in the area were damaged due to heavy rains. MEIL also developed the area suitable for construction activity after the recent prolonged spell of heavy rains.

“Three million cubic metres of work on the spillway is yet to be done, and about 5.3 lakh cubic metres of work in the spill channel. Water storage in the spill channel is high. Megha Engineering will be working on this after the water shortage becomes less,” further added Reddy.

After High Court cleared the reverse tendering process, the YSRCP government called for the tenders. MEIL emerged the sole bidder for the project being built on Godavari River in West Godavari district. Previously, the TDP government awarded the project to Navayuga Engineering Co Ltd. Later, as YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the AP Chief Minister, the YSRCP government revoked the project award. Subsequently, Navayuga moved the High Court against the YSRCP government’s decision. The High Court favoured the YSRCP government.