State goverment approves Metrowater’s two flagship projects

The State government’s in-principle approval has paved way for Chennai Metrowater to take up two key projects to improve the city’s water and sewer infrastructure.

With the ₹3,108.55 crore project approved to install ring main system in the Greater Chennai Corporation, Metrowater will accelerate the process to construct the circular pipeline connecting all its water sources with distribution points. The pipeline would ensure seamless water supply across the city even if one water source fails.

Following the State government’s approval, loans would be provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to complete the project in four years. Tendering process is in progress for the project.

A press release from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department said the ring main system, which will interconnect all the nine water sources in a closed loop, has been designed to handle a projected flow of 1,762 million litres a day to meet the demand in 2057.

The government has also approved a ₹689.40 crore project to improve the existing old sewerage system linked to Nesapakkam sewage treatment plant. The sewer infrastructure, which is in place for four decades now, is inadequate for growing population.

In the first phase, the water agency plans to upgrade six sewage pumping stations and construct 7,807 machine holes after obtaining the loan from ADB. Pipelines running for nearly 185 km would be replaced with larger pipes. The project, which would be implemented in three years, would benefit nearly 1.16 lakh households, the release said.