Patiala's ₹565 crore canal project 94% complete, to supply clean water to 5 lakh residents

Patiala, Punjab – The large‑scale water supply canal project, earmarked at ₹565 crore and first announced by former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in 2006, has reached 94% completion, officials said. The scheme is designed to deliver treated drinking water to an estimated 500,000 residents across the city and surrounding areas. Construction work, which has spanned nearly two decades, is now in its final phase, with the remaining stretch expected to be commissioned within months. Once operational, the canal will alleviate long‑standing water‑scarcity issues and improve public health by providing reliable access to clean water. Authorities have pledged to monitor quality and ensure uninterrupted supply once the project is fully handed over.

Patiala's municipal officials confirmed that the project’s progress reflects coordinated efforts between state water departments and local contractors. They added that the remaining work involves laying final pipelines, installing pumping stations, and conducting water‑quality tests before the system goes live. The completion of this infrastructure is seen as a significant step toward fulfilling promises made two decades ago.

The water supply scheme, funded by the Punjab government, is part of broader initiatives to upgrade urban utilities in the state. Residents are hopeful that the near‑completion of the canal will finally bring the clean‑water assurance that has been awaited for years.