BackECONOMY
Irrigation costs soar despite regime change: ₹2.5 lakh cr needed to finish 225 projects approved since 2022
Since July 2022, the BJP-led Mahayuti government has approved 225 irrigation proposals, including new projects worth ₹1.18 lakh crore and cost escalations of ₹60,000 crore for ongoing works. Completing all 225 would require an additional ₹2.56 lakh crore, with nearly half of orders issued to Vidarbha and Marathwada; officials attribute escalation to expanded scope and land costs.
Why It Matters
The figures reveal persistent cost pressures and regional backlogs in irrigation, even after a regime change, raising questions about budget commitments and project delivery in Maharashtra.
Timeline
6 Events
Reasons for cost escalation cited by officials
April 19, 2026
Irrigation department officials blamed an increase in the scope of work and high costs of land acquisition as key reasons for cost escalation.
Irrigation backlog context
April 19, 2026
These regions are historically affected by irrigation backlogs and are considered strongholds of the ruling coalition.
Geographic distribution of work orders
April 19, 2026
Nearly half of the work orders awarded since July 2022 pertained to Vidarbha and the Marathwada regions.
Total funds required to complete all 225 projects
April 19, 2026
Completing all 225 projects would require an additional ₹2.56 lakh crore.
226 irrigation proposals approved since July 2022 (summary data)
April 19, 2026
Data presented before the state cabinet shows that since July 2022, the government has approved 225 proposals for irrigation projects, including proposals for new projects worth ₹1.18 lakh crore and cost escalations exceeding ₹60,000 crore for ongoing projects.
BJP-led Mahayuti coalition assumes power
July 2022
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance assumed power in Maharashtra in July 2022, with the party alleging the previous Congress-NCP government was involved in an irrigation scam and had provided revised administrative approvals that led to steep cost escalations.