Mumbai is advancing a Rs 515 crore underground water tunnel project aimed at transforming supply in the city’s eastern suburbs while replacing an ageing surface network. The initiative, led by the municipal water supply department, is designed to bolster distribution efficiency, reduce leakages, and ensure sustainable water access for growing populations.
Stretching 4.4 kilometres from the Powai reservoir to Ghatkopar, the tunnel will channel water to both the high-level and low-level reservoirs in Ghatkopar, ultimately serving the densely populated L ward, covering Kurla, and N ward, encompassing Ghatkopar, parts of Vikhroli, and Vidyavihar. Once operational, the upgraded network is expected to relieve supply bottlenecks and reduce dependence on vulnerable overground pipelines.
The project commenced in 2023 and has adopted tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology to minimise surface disruptions in crowded neighbourhoods. Of the total length, 2.7 kilometres have been constructed using TBM, with excavation completed at a depth of 60 metres. The structure features an external diameter of 2.8 metres and a finished diameter of 2.2 metres, enabling substantial capacity enhancements. Officials confirmed that a significant milestone was achieved last month with the breakthrough of the TBM-driven segment. Work is now progressing on steel reinforcement and reinforced cement concrete lining, which will ensure the tunnel’s durability for decades. The timeline targets completion by March 2027, aligning with the city’s broader infrastructure modernisation and water security plans.
Experts note that the strategic shift from surface pipelines to deep underground conveyance is a critical adaptation to urban growth and climate variability. By moving distribution systems underground, the city not only shields its infrastructure from damage caused by heavy rains, roadworks, and encroachments but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with repeated repairs and water loss. Water supply officials state that, once commissioned, the tunnel will allow the Ghatkopar reservoirs to operate at enhanced capacity, significantly improving pressure and flow rates across the connected wards. This, they add, will be essential for equitable distribution in areas historically affected by low supply.
The project also marks a step forward in integrating climate-resilient design into civic planning. Underground conveyance mitigates the risks posed by extreme weather events while facilitating a more reliable, long-term service. Urban planners see this as a precedent for other metropolitan regions grappling with outdated utility systems. While challenges remain in maintaining timelines and managing costs, civic authorities assert that the investment will yield sustained benefits for decades, ensuring that Mumbai’s eastern suburbs are better prepared to meet rising demand in a sustainable and equitable manner.
