The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is making significant strides towards improving water supply in several Mumbai localities through the construction of a 9.7 km water tunnel. This infrastructure project, which commenced excavation from Amar Mahal to Wadala and further to Parel, is expected to ensure a reliable and high-pressure water supply to Matunga, Wadala, Parel, Byculla, and Kurla by 2026.
The breakthrough of the second phase of this project, covering a 5.25 km stretch between Wadala and Parel, was marked by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani on 21 June 2024. This milestone places Mumbai among the top cities globally in terms of water tunnel length, second only to New York City, USA. The completion of this tunnel is poised to benefit parts of the F North (Matunga, Wadala), F South (Parel), E (Byculla), and L (Kurla) wards.
According to a senior BMC official, approximately 74% of the total project has been completed, with full completion slated for 30 April 2026. The first phase, a 4.3 km stretch between Hedgewar Garden and Pratiksha Nagar, began on 8 October 2021 and was completed by 8 August 2022. The second phase commenced on 1 September 2022, overcoming significant challenges such as groundwater seepage, changing geological layers, and rock falls to finish on schedule.
“Despite encountering substantial groundwater seepage, frequently changing geological layers, and rock falls within the tunnel, we successfully completed the second phase on schedule,” the official stated. The project continued uninterrupted even during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing BMC’s resilience and dedication. Upon completion, Mumbai will boast 100 km of water tunnels, solidifying its status as a global leader in water infrastructure.
Municipal Commissioner Gagrani emphasised that the project’s success is a testament to BMC’s meticulous planning, efficient management, and technical expertise. He noted, “Mumbai’s water supply system is among the largest globally, and the BMC is the first local self-government institution in India to build water tunnels for water transport.” He also urged citizens to use water judiciously and avoid wastage.
The new tunnels are designed to mitigate issues such as leakage and water theft, with water being transported through 90 km of reinforced cement concrete water tunnels daily. This now includes the new 9.7 km stretch from Amar Mahal to Wadala and Parel. BMC’s continuous efforts to manage and distribute water resources effectively play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent water supply for Mumbai households.
Key features of the project include ensuring sufficient water supply to residents of F North, F South, partially E, and L wards until 2061. The tunnel, constructed at a depth of 100 to 110 meters, has a digging diameter of 3.2 meters and a final internal diameter of 2.5 meters after being lined with in-situ concrete. Additionally, three shafts have been constructed: 109 meters deep at Hedgewar Garden, 103 meters deep at Pratiksha Nagar, and 101 meters deep at Parel.
The project has set new records for the BMC, including the completion of the RCC lining of the 96.15-meter deep shaft at Hedgewar Garden in just 29 days, the record excavation of 605 meters of water tunnel in a single month in January 2022, and the successful excavation of a maximum of 34.5 meters in a single day.
As Mumbai continues to grow, the completion of this tunnel marks a significant step towards ensuring the city’s sustainable water management and infrastructure development.
