Navi Mumbai’s water infrastructure received a significant boost as the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) announced the first tunnel breakthrough in the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme at Shaft 4 in Wahal village. The achievement marks a major step toward strengthening the city’s water delivery capacity, with the 5.52-kilometre breakthrough forming part of an 8.7-kilometre treated water tunnel designed to enhance supply reliability across the rapidly expanding urban region.
The milestone was accomplished under Package 1 by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, which has been responsible for tunnelling operations. Teams overcame technical challenges including hard rock formations, constrained underground spaces, and complex geological conditions. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Flamingo, with a diameter of 3.2 metres, executed the tunnelling efficiently, previously setting a record of 777 metres in a single month, surpassing prior benchmarks. Urban planners and water infrastructure experts note that the Hetawane project is pivotal for Navi Mumbai’s sustainable growth. Upon completion, the scheme will expand water delivery from 150 million litres per day (MLD) to 270 MLD, addressing chronic supply shortages and supporting the city’s residential, industrial, and commercial demand. The broader project encompasses 13.25 km of raw water tunnels alongside 15.4 km of treated water tunnels, demonstrating the scale and technical complexity of Navi Mumbai’s water network expansion.
A senior official from CIDCO highlighted that the breakthrough reflects coordinated project management and strict adherence to quality and safety standards. With infrastructure projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport and upcoming metro corridors driving urban expansion, strengthening essential utilities like water supply has become a strategic priority. Analysts observe that reliable water infrastructure underpins not only residential liveability but also economic activity, including industrial and commercial operations across the city’s nodes. Afcons Infrastructure’s leadership noted that the breakthrough involved innovative construction methods and disciplined project execution, reinforcing confidence in timely completion. Industry experts say that record-setting tunnelling speeds and adherence to safety norms indicate that the Hetawane project could serve as a model for other large-scale urban water infrastructure initiatives in India.
Looking ahead, CIDCO continues to monitor project progress closely, emphasising timely delivery and rigorous quality assurance. Once operational, the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme is expected to mitigate water scarcity risks, support the city’s growing population, and enable sustainable urban expansion. For Navi Mumbai, this achievement underscores the critical link between strategic infrastructure investment and resilient, climate-aware urban development, providing both immediate utility benefits and long-term urban growth stability.
CIDCO Completes First Tunnel Segment In Hetawane Project
