India PM Modi lays foundation stone for $5.42 billion Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the historic Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project and several other development initiatives in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho on the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Addressing a gathering, PM Modi paid tribute to Vajpayee, calling the occasion a festival of good governance and service. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative stamp and coin in Vajpayee’s honour, acknowledging his contributions to the nation’s development.

Modi emphasised the project’s significance, stating that water security is a critical challenge of the 21st century and an essential foundation for prosperous agriculture and thriving industries. He credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for first envisioning the importance of water management in India and highlighted his government’s commitment to realizing Ambedkar’s vision.

The Prime Minister noted that previous governments had sidelined Vajpayee’s efforts to address water challenges through interlinking rivers. He expressed pride that Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to launch two major river-linking projects under this national campaign.

During the event, Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to good governance, stressing that effective implementation of schemes is crucial to ensuring public welfare. He pointed to the successful execution of initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has provided tap water to 12 crore rural households in just five years.

Modi also highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s progress in tourism, infrastructure, and rural development. The state, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Khajuraho, is emerging as a major tourism hub, bolstered by new eco-tourism and heritage initiatives under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Modi assured the people of Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh that his government would continue working to resolve their water crisis, boost development, and create opportunities for future generations.

The Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project, a Rs45,000 crore ($5.42 billion) initiative, is expected to transform the Bundelkhand region by addressing its chronic water scarcity.

The project includes the Daudhan Dam and a network of canals spanning hundreds of kilometers to irrigate approximately 11 lakh hectares of land across 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, impacting around 7 million farmers and stabilising existing irrigation facilities.

It also aims to provide drinking water to 4.4 million people in Madhya Pradesh and 2.1 million in Uttar Pradesh, alongside generating 103MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. It also includes the restoration of 42 Chandela-era heritage ponds to enhance groundwater levels. The project will also provide drinking water to local communities and support the region’s water-dependent industries.