Kota Barrage is a dam built over the Chambal river in the city of Kota, located in the region of south-eastern Rajasthan. This astonishing dam controls the water of Chambal after it is released by the previous three dams of Gandhisagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam. Hence, it is the fourth one in the series of Chambal Valley project.

Image By- @_rj_click_

Information on Kota Barrage-

This huge Kota Barrage consists of a total of 19 massive iron gates that have the capacity to hold the pressure generated by such a high volume of water of River Chambal.

The area benefitted by the dam known as the catchment area is around 27,332 sq.km for this dam.

The construction work of the dam was accomplished in the year 1960 and the inauguration of the dam was done by the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The dam has its base mainly filled up with the earth’s soil and stones and then the safety covering of concrete.

The water stored by this dam is mainly used as a supply to the Kota Thermal Power Station which converts it to steam by the heat of burning coal and thus, electricity production is done through steam energy of water.

Kota Thermal Power Station

But the hot water that comes as a waste from the Thermal Plant is directly discharged to River Chambal that destroys the natural habitat of aquatic species. This is a serious issue that the government should look upon.

According to a treaty, 50% of the total water stored by Kota Barrage is diverted to Madhya Pradesh through canals, for the purpose of irrigation.

Recently, a new bridge over the Chambal River has been constructed parallel to Kota Barrage for the movement of vehicles because the date up to which the bridge of Barrage was considered safe was expired.

Image By- @dslr_walaa

During the monsoons, the gates of the dam are opened upside to release the water downstream which gives people a next level audacious experience while beholding the rare view of high-water levels with much rage and sound. Thus, monsoon is the best time to plan a visit to Kota Barrage.

Kota Garh Palace is a tourist attraction of Kota and is located very close to the Kota Barrage, so do have a visit to this heritage site too if you visit the dam.

A pigeon feeding zone has been constructed where one can give food to them and enjoy the fascinating scene as they fly off in a group of hundreds of pigeons together. The moment becomes worth capturing.

How to Reach Kota Barrage-

City Buses generally do not operate on this route so it would be better to opt for private vehicles or autorickshaws.

The closest railway station is Kota Junction at a distance of about 11 km from the barrage. It is well connected to almost each and every part of the country.

The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport which is about 240 km from Kota. Kota Airport is not connected efficiently with other cities.

Pigeon Feeding Zone