Key Highlights
- VA Tech WABAG JV secures ADB funded mega water infrastructure order from CMWSSB.
- Project will develop a city wide looped transmission network for Greater Chennai.
- Order classified as Mega project indicating value above ₹1000 crore.
- Project execution period is 54 months followed by 10 years of operations and maintenance.
- Water grid will improve supply reliability, pressure management and climate resilience for Chennai.
VA Tech WABAG Limited has secured a major infrastructure contract from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board to develop a city wide looped water transmission network in Chennai. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank and forms part of the Chennai Climate Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project aimed at strengthening the city’s water distribution system.
The contract has been awarded to a joint venture led by VA Tech WABAG. According to the company, the project is categorized as a mega order, indicating a value exceeding ₹1000 crore under the company’s order classification framework.
The project will establish a city wide water grid for Greater Chennai City, enabling flexible routing of water across multiple supply zones. The network is designed to enhance pressure management, improve operational reliability and support efficient water distribution during both routine operations and emergency situations.
Chennai has historically faced challenges related to water scarcity, uneven supply distribution and periodic disruptions due to climate variability and reliance on distant water sources. The proposed looped transmission system is expected to act as the backbone of the city’s bulk water transmission infrastructure, allowing dynamic balancing of water flows across different zones.
As part of the project scope, the joint venture will construct bulk transmission pipelines, feeder mains, pumping stations and underground tanks. The infrastructure will also be integrated with a centralized supervisory control and data acquisition system to enable digital monitoring and automated network management.
The project will be completed within a period of 54 months, followed by a 10 year operation and maintenance phase. Once operational, the system is expected to significantly improve Chennai’s ability to manage water resources, respond to supply disruptions and ensure a more reliable and sustainable water supply for its growing population.
Commenting on the development, a senior executive from VA Tech WABAG stated that the project represents an important step toward building climate resilient water infrastructure for Chennai. The new water grid is expected to enhance supply reliability, operational flexibility and long term water security for the city.