D K Shivakumar inspects ‘Asia’s longest and world’s tallest aqueduct’ in Karnataka

Tumakuru

In a significant moment for Karnataka’s water infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday inspected the giant aqueduct constructed near Chelur in Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru district, as part of the Yettinahole Project.

Claimed to be the tallest in the world (40 metres) and the longest in Asia (10.47 km), the aqueduct showcases cutting-edge engineering. It has been built using Open and Pile foundation systems, based on soil load-bearing capacity, allowing water to flow at an elevated height of 40 metres.

The project employed an advanced Joint Treatment Methodology developed in consultation with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. It was completed within a minimal timeframe, with limited manpower and a strong focus on safety and engineering precision.

Constructed using modern Aqueduct Engineering Technology, the structure was recently honoured with the INFRACON NATIONAL AWARD – IINA 2025, presented by the national-level ISDA Foundation for excellence in infrastructure under the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) category.

Addressing media at the site, Shivakumar lauded the engineers, officials of Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam, technical experts, and contractors, stating,

“This project marks a historic achievement in the lives of our water resource engineers. It should be showcased nationally as a model. All those involved in bringing this vision to life will be formally honoured at Vidhana Soudha.”

The aqueduct is a key component of the Yettinahole project, which aims to supply water to the parched regions of south Karnataka.