Chandigarh’s Water Network Set For ₹510 Cr Overhaul With French Aid
Chandigarh’s ambition to switch to a 24×7 city-wide water supply system gained momentum as officials met with representatives from the French development agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The ₹510 crore Pan-City Water Supply Project aims to replace the city’s aging pipeline network with a high-pressure, continuous water delivery model across all 35 wards. While a major upgrade, the proposal has raised questions over financing, tariff hikes, and technical preparedness before a full-scale rollout is greenlit.
The high-level meeting between AFD representatives and Chandigarh municipal officials focused on evaluating the technical viability and financial contours of the Pan-City 24×7 Water Supply Project. The delegation assessed the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and SCADA systems, which form the technological backbone of the plan. Officials presented detailed insights into the city’s phased rollout strategy, which includes dividing Chandigarh into 55 district metering areas (DMAs), each covering one sector. The pilot project in Manimajra, however, has raised red flags, drawing scrutiny over execution flaws. Senior authorities have indicated that outstanding concerns—including operational feasibility, budget execution, and infrastructure readiness—will be compiled and addressed formally through a communication to AFD. The project, once implemented, aims to ensure uninterrupted access to potable water for every household, modernise the old distribution network, and reduce water losses caused by leakage and low-pressure systems currently plaguing the city.
While the proposed plan holds transformative potential for Chandigarh’s urban infrastructure, it comes with substantial fiscal implications. Of the estimated ₹510 crore cost, ₹412 crore will be sourced via a loan from AFD, repayable over 15 years. The remaining ₹98 crore will be funded as a grant by the European Union. Beginning December 2029, the city will need to allocate ₹40 crore annually for loan repayment, a move likely to trigger significant hikes in water tariffs. Officials have hinted at a post-completion adjustment in household billing, with user charges expected to nearly double. The administration justifies the hike as a necessary trade-off for sustainable, equitable, and high-quality water supply services. Despite the potential benefits, public resistance is likely unless transparency and stakeholder communication are prioritised. The success of this project hinges not only on engineering execution but also on community buy-in and financial accountability, as residents brace for future costs tied to the ambitious upgrade.
Chandigarh’s transition to a 24×7 water supply model signals a long-overdue overhaul of its crumbling infrastructure. Backed by European funding, the initiative promises greater reliability, efficiency, and reduced water losses. However, the city now stands at a critical decision-making juncture—balancing the need for modernisation with public acceptance of financial trade-offs. As consultations continue, senior authorities must ensure that technological improvements do not come at the cost of affordability. Transparent communication, fair tariff structuring, and timely project execution will be essential to make Chandigarh’s water future both sustainable and inclusive.
