Chennai to Get Ring Main Pipeline for Equitable Water Supply
The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is set to implement the ‘Ring Main Pipeline Project’. The project, which will connect all water sources to ensure balanced and equitable distribution across the city, is expected to begin in June with an estimated budget of ₹2,423 crore. The announcement was made during the presentation of the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.The Ring Main Pipeline will form a closed-loop system that draws water from various sources and channels it to 11 distribution stations across Chennai.
The new system will significantly improve water supply efficiency by linking the city’s existing five water treatment plants and three desalination plants, which currently operate independently. At present, these plants serve designated areas through separate pipelines, which can disrupt supply if a particular source faces maintenance issues or low storage levels.The new pipeline, with a diameter ranging from 1 to 1.8 metres, will run approximately 95 km around the city, allowing water to be transferred from one location to another as needed. This flexibility will help ensure that areas experiencing shortages can be supported by surplus water from other sources, preventing disruptions.
This project will be implemented over the next three years, making it one of the largest water infrastructure developments in Chennai’s recent history.The state government has also approved ₹6,668 crore for combined water supply schemes in seven districts, as well as funding for the renovation of outdated water infrastructure across 102 schemes. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance water distribution and improve the efficiency of the water supply system.This project is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a more equitable and sustainable water supply in Chennai, addressing the city’s growing demand for water and mitigating the challenges posed by the increasing population and climate change. The CMWSSB aims to make the city’s water infrastructure more resilient, ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply to all residents.
