Sukkur Barrage Upgrade Marks New Era for Sindh Water Security

Rs23.4bn rehabilitation project enhances irrigation efficiency, flood resilience and long-term agricultural sustainability
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has termed the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Sukkur Barrage a milestone for Sindh’s water security and agricultural future, following the completion of a major phase of the Rs23.4 billion upgrade project.

Speaking during his visit to the historic irrigation structure under the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP), the chief minister said the modernisation would significantly enhance flood resilience, improve irrigation efficiency, and secure the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farming families across the province.

He inspected rehabilitated sections of the barrage and reviewed ongoing work carried out over the past year, accompanied by provincial ministers, senior officials of the irrigation department, engineers, and project consultants.

Murad Ali Shah said the provincial government had successfully compressed two working seasons of rehabilitation into one by constructing a temporary cofferdam after structural issues were identified in 2024. He added that this decision helped reduce risks and accelerate implementation.

He noted that against the original plan of replacing 32 gates, the project had achieved replacement of 44 gates, calling it a major engineering success and a commitment to protecting Sindh’s critical water infrastructure.

According to irrigation officials, all 44 in-river barrage gates and hoisting systems have now been replaced with modern designs and are fully operational. Civil works across all bays have been completed, while canal gates and related structures have also undergone rehabilitation. Sediment dredging upstream has further improved water flow conditions.

The chief minister said the Sukkur Barrage, a key component of Sindh’s irrigation network, supports the livelihoods of more than 600,000 farming families and plays a vital role in national food security.

He directed authorities to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and transparency for the remaining phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion by June 2027.

Officials briefed the chief minister that the upgraded system includes modern automated hoisting mechanisms, improved structural components, and reduced mechanical load, enhancing operational efficiency and long-term durability.

Murad Ali Shah said the rehabilitation would extend the operational life of the Sukkur Barrage by at least 30 years and strengthen flood management capabilities across the province.

He also highlighted that Sindh’s barrage system remains the “lifeline” of the province and announced progress on feasibility work for the Kotri Barrage upgrade.

During media interaction, the chief minister said water flows in the Indus River system were higher this year compared to last year and noted that discussions were ongoing with relevant authorities regarding water distribution concerns.

He reiterated that Sindh had raised concerns about water shortages and was seeking its due share under agreed frameworks, while stressing the need for transparent and daily flow data monitoring.

Murad Ali Shah said the Sukkur Barrage modernisation project would ensure long-term agricultural stability, improved irrigation reliability, and enhanced protection against future flooding for the province.