Pathankot: On the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday dedicated the landmark Shahpur Kandi Project, worth ₹3,394.49 crore, to the people of Punjab. The project promises to significantly enhance electricity generation and irrigation capacity across the state.

Congratulating citizens on the sacred occasion, Mann said the day “marks a historic moment for the nation, especially for Punjab,” and expressed gratitude to engineers, employees, and labourers who worked tirelessly to make the project a reality.

A Lifeline for Punjab’s Agrarian Economy

Calling the Shahpur Kandi Dam a “blessing” for farmers, traders, and industrialists, the Chief Minister said it would transform Punjab’s agrarian landscape.
He said the project will boost irrigation facilities, increase power generation, and create employment opportunities for the state’s youth.

“The Shahpur Kandi Dam will be the lifeline of Punjab, especially for the Majha region. It will illuminate lakhs of homes and brighten countless lives,” Mann said.

Project Details and Funding Structure

The Shahpur Kandi Dam Project is being constructed at a total cost of ₹3,394.49 crore, with Punjab contributing ₹2,694.02 crore (80%), while the Government of India is funding ₹700.45 crore (20%).

A total of 3,171.72 acres of land have been acquired for the project — 1,643.77 acres in Punjab and 1,527.95 acres in Jammu and Kashmir.

Irrigation and Power Benefits

The project will provide irrigation to 5,000 hectares (12,500 acres) of agricultural land in Punjab, benefiting districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar. It will also ensure a steady irrigation supply to 1.18 lakh hectares under the Upper Bari Doab Canal system.

Before this project, the Ranjit Sagar Dam powerhouse could not operate at its full capacity of 600 MW during peak hours due to the absence of a downstream reservoir — leading to excess water flowing unused into Pakistan.

With the commissioning of the Shahpur Kandi Dam, water released from Ranjit Sagar Dam will now be stored in a new reservoir, ensuring optimal power generation during high-demand periods and a consistent water supply for irrigation.

Key Specifications and Progress

The Shahpur Kandi Dam stands 55.5 meters high and includes a 7.7 km-long hydel channel.
Two powerhouses with a combined capacity of 206 MW are being constructed, with 75 per cent of the work already completed, according to the Chief Minister.

A Vision for Prosperous Punjab

Mann emphasised that the project represents Punjab’s forward-looking vision of sustainable development — blending energy efficiency, agricultural prosperity, and regional growth.
“This project is not just about infrastructure, but about empowering Punjab’s people and securing their future,” he said.