Big, Bold and Powerful

Ten mega public infrastructure projects that have had a profound impact on post-Independence India’s overall development

- VINAYAK CHATTERJEE

Ten mega public infrastructure projects that have had a profound impact on post-Independence India’s overall development

Indira Gandhi Canal (formerly Rajasthan Canal)

Conceived in 1948 The 650 km Indira Gandhi Canal is the longest canal in India. It starts at Harike Barrage in Punjab and ends at the irrigation facilities in the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan. Conceived in 1948 with an aim to green the semi-arid and arid areas of Rajasthan, the canal irrigates 29 lakh acres annually. The project's construction commenced in 1952 and the last portion was completed in 2010.

The main 445-km-long Rajasthan canal starts after a feeder canal stretching 167 km through Punjab and Haryana and another 37 km in Rajasthan. Its route and command area cover seven districts of Rajasthan: Sriganganagar, Churu, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Barmer. The project demonstrated the widespread benefits of a massive irrigation project.

Bhakra Nangal/ Damodar Valley Corporation