Panjnad Barrage

Panjnad Barrage, also known as Panjnad Headworks, is located in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan. It is one of the largest barrages in the province and serves as a critical irrigation and transportation point. Construction of the headworks on the Chenab and Sutlej rivers began in 1922 under the Sutlej Valley Project and was completed in 1932.

Geographic Significance and Location

Located near Tranda Muhammad Panah, the Head Panjnad marks the spectacular confluence of five rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. These rivers merge into a single stream that ultimately joins the mighty Indus River. This unique natural convergence makes Panjnad a geographic marvel and a scenic location.

Tourism and Recreation

Thanks to its breathtaking river views, Panjnad has become a popular picnic spot. Visitors frequently enjoy boat rides, swimming, and local eateries that serve fresh river fish. The barrage is not only a functional structure but also features a bridge that links southern Punjab to the rest of the province. A small one-room museum located near the Head Panjnad offers insight into the site’s history and significance.

Irrigation Infrastructure

The Panjnad Barrage is equipped with three canals: the Panjnad Canal, Abbasia Canal, and Abbasia Link Canal. These have a combined design discharge of 14,433 cusecs. The Abbasia Canal and Panjnad Canal were initially constructed from Head Panjnad, and later joined by the New Abbasia Canal. Together, they irrigate a vast area of Cholistan, including districts such as Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

The barrage supports a gross command area of 1.81 million acres and delivers irrigation supplies to a cultivated command area of 1.62 million acres. The Chenab River beyond the barrage is commonly called the Panjnad River.

Capacity

Originally, the barrage had a designed discharge capacity of 0.45 million cusecs, which was later increased to 0.7 million cusecs. It serves a large region, with the barrage pond area extending into the Tehsil Alipur and the Tehsil Ahmedpur East. The road bridge across the barrage facilitates traffic moving between Punjab and Sindh.

Upgrades & Rehabilitation

2015 Scheme to Upgrade

A scheme was finalized in August 2015 to upgrade Panjnad Headworks. The upgrade plan was to increase the number of spillway bays from 30 to 47. The target discharge capacity was to rise from 700,000 cusecs to about 865,000 cusecs. Estimated cost ~ Rs 18.158 billion, proposed to be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Rehabilitation Project (2018 Onwards)

In November 2018, a rehabilitation project was begun with financial assistance from ADB. The cost of the project is about Rs 4.5 billion. It aims to restore and strengthen the structure, add three new spillways, repair the highway bridge at the headworks, and improve the mechanical/electrical components.  After rehabilitation, discharge capacity is reported to have increased from 0.70 million cusecs (≈ 700,000 cusecs) to about 0.86 million cusecs (≈ 860,000 cusecs).

Flood & Water-Management Events & Recent Status

Flood Flows & Alerts (2025 Monsoon/Flood Waves)

There have been multiple flood alerts around Panjnad in Sept 2025. For example, Panjnad is expected to receive ~700,000 cusecs in 24 hours in one alert, with Sindh authorities placing areas on high alert. Reports of “exceptionally high flood” at Panjnad with outflow over 660,000 cusecs in one period.

Floodgate/Canal Management

During high flood flows, canals off-taking from Panjnad have been shut down for safety. Flood gates are being monitored, and embankments reinforced. Authorities are using early warning systems and increasing capacity (spillways, number of bays) to handle extreme flood flows.