The Delhi government has moved to re-engage with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to revive a long-delayed water infrastructure project that aims to bring 24×7 water supply to large parts of the national capital.
The initiative, centred around the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP) command area, is expected to dramatically improve water access and reduce wastage through advanced technology and international expertise. According to senior officials, the city administration has reached an in-principle agreement with ADB to restart the Wazirabad water supply improvement project. Originally part of the Delhi Water Supply Master Plan–2021, the project was designed over a decade ago with the objective of overhauling the capital’s aging and leaky water distribution system. The plan includes modernising pipelines, deploying water treatment innovations, and setting up infrastructure for round-the-clock delivery of potable water.
The renewed partnership marks a significant shift in the city’s water governance strategy, signalling a greater openness to collaborate with international institutions for critical public services. Officials confirmed that fresh detailed project reports will be prepared, and new execution timelines will be established to reflect current technical and demographic needs. The project had previously lost momentum due to what officials now describe as “political reluctance” by the former administration to proceed with international financing mechanisms. Despite the ADB’s willingness to offer structured funding and technical support, earlier governments had deprioritised the collaboration, leading to the project’s withdrawal in 2020.
Urban policy experts view the re-engagement with ADB as a positive and much-needed intervention. “Cities like Delhi need to embrace global partnerships not just for financial investment, but for the knowledge and innovation they bring. International institutions can help Indian cities transition to more resilient and equitable infrastructure systems,” said an infrastructure expert associated with water policy reforms. The Wazirabad WTP command zone covers a significant swathe of North and North-West Delhi, including localities such as Burari, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Model Town, Punjabi Bagh, Shakur Basti, Jahangirpuri, Peera Garhi, Avantika, and Pitampura. These areas have long suffered from unreliable and inequitable water distribution, with frequent complaints of low pressure, contaminated supply, and unserved populations.
Officials from Delhi Jal Board (DJB) revealed that one of the core goals of the revamped project is to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) — treated water that is produced but not billed due to theft, leakage, or metering inefficiencies. Current estimates suggest that Delhi loses over 40 percent of its treated water due to these issues. To address this, the Wazirabad project will incorporate international best practices in leak detection, pipeline rehabilitation, pressure management, and smart metering. ADB’s role will extend beyond financing to include advisory support on technological integration and capacity building of DJB personnel.
The renewed focus on water infrastructure also aligns with broader objectives to build a zero-carbon, eco-sensitive and equitable city. Improving Delhi’s water supply network is not only an infrastructure issue but also a pressing public health and environmental challenge. With climate variability increasing the risk of water scarcity and contamination, upgrading water systems is crucial for long-term urban resilience. The city’s water minister emphasised the urgency of moving forward decisively, highlighting that delays in such critical projects have long hampered Delhi’s progress. “Where previous governments hesitated, we are stepping in with commitment. Delhi cannot afford to stall vital public utility reforms any longer,” said an official from the department.
The decision to resume work with ADB was finalised after a high-level meeting between the water ministry and senior representatives from ADB’s India office. Discussions focused on restructuring the earlier project framework to suit the present-day requirements of Delhi’s rapidly growing population and evolving water demand patterns. ADB, in turn, reaffirmed its readiness to provide comprehensive support — including technical know-how, international procurement standards, and long-term structured financing — to ensure the success of the initiative. The bank has a long history of working with Indian cities on infrastructure upgrades, and its re-entry into Delhi’s water sector is being seen as a strategic move towards more accountable and future-ready governance.
Urban development professionals have welcomed the move, cautioning, however, that institutional readiness and transparent execution will be key to success. “ADB brings credibility, but it’s up to city institutions to ensure timelines are met and funds are effectively used. Project delays not only waste resources but also erode public trust,” noted a Delhi-based urban planner. In terms of broader impact, the successful revival and execution of the Wazirabad project could set a precedent for other Indian cities grappling with similar water-related challenges. With over 70 percent of urban water infrastructure in India requiring upgrades, the Delhi-ADB partnership could serve as a blueprint for integrating international collaboration into local water management.
For the residents of Delhi — many of whom rely on tankers and borewells for daily water needs — the promise of a consistent, safe, and equitable supply is a step toward a more liveable city. The task ahead remains complex, but the renewed political will and technical support from global partners offer a rare chance to address the city’s chronic water issues with both urgency and foresight. Whether this project can translate into sustained relief for Delhi’s citizens remains to be seen. But for now, it signals a welcome shift towards more pragmatic, internationally-aligned urban infrastructure development — one that prioritises both sustainability and service equity.
Delhi Govt to Partner with ADB for Water Supply Overhaul
