Kochi Moves To Modernise City Water System
Kochi’s ageing water network is set for its most significant overhaul in years, with the Kerala government releasing ₹74 crore as the first mobilisation advance to a private operator tasked with modernising and managing the city’s supply system. The move forms part of a larger, Asian Development Bank–supported project aimed at improving reliability, reducing losses, and building a more climate-resilient water infrastructure for the fast-growing port city.
Officials confirmed that the government must release roughly ₹140 crore in total before the operator fully assumes charge. Once the initial funds are received, the firm is required to take over operations within 61 days covering pump houses, transmission mains, emergency repairs, and routine maintenance. For a city frequently grappling with pressure fluctuations, pipe bursts, and service gaps, the transition is expected to bring greater accountability and a clearer operational structure. A senior urban planner noted that Kochi’s water system was designed for a much smaller population. “Over decades, patchwork repairs and parallel pipelines have made the network harder to manage. A structured rehabilitation plan is essential if the city wants equitable access to clean water,” the planner said.
The first year of the contract focuses on mapping the system through a demographic survey and GPS-based audit. By establishing a digital inventory of pipes, valves, and assets, authorities aim to understand where leakages are concentrated, and which neighbourhoods require priority upgradation. Industry experts say this data-driven approach is now standard in cities moving towards sustainable water management. A critical component of the project is the replacement of ageing asbestos cement pipelines, many of which are prone to cracks. These will be substituted with safer and more durable materials over a six-year period. Work will be phased across nine city zones to minimise disruption. The phased model, officials say, also allows planners to align pipe replacement with future growth, climate-resilient design, and water-efficient urban development.
The operator will also be responsible for maintaining pump houses, overhead tanks, and distribution assets. Flow meters will be installed across the network to monitor consumption and pinpoint non-revenue water essential for reducing losses and preventing theft. For a rapidly expanding urban economy, even small reductions in leakage can help ensure more equitable distribution and lower long-term operational costs. Kochi’s investment comes at a time when Indian cities are under growing pressure to provide safe, uninterrupted water while transitioning towards inclusive, sustainable urban systems. While the project will take several years to complete, officials emphasise that early steps such as accurate mapping and improved monitoring—will lay the foundation for a more reliable and climate-resilient network that benefits all residents, regardless of geography or income.
Kochi Moves To Modernise City Water System
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