Kochi Urban Water Treatment Expansion Faces Delay As Budget Escalates Sharply
Kochi’s urban water treatment expansion under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) has been delayed as project costs surge from Rs 1,300 crore to Rs 1,700 crore. The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) now awaits government approval for the revised estimate before tendering can begin. The delay affects the construction of two sewage treatment plants at Elamkulam and Muttar, which are critical to improving sewage management and sustainable water infrastructure across the city.
Officials at KWA attribute the cost escalation to revised schedules and material upgrades. “The initial estimate was based on 2018 rates, but with the 2021 schedule and the decision to use higher-quality, more durable pipelines, the budget had to be adjusted,” said a senior KWA official overseeing the project. Funding for the sewerage component primarily comes from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), and the revised proposal is currently under government review.The project’s management structure has evolved since inception. Originally implemented solely by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), responsibilities were later split: KWA now manages the sewage treatment plants, while KMRL handles canal rejuvenation. Although the number of STPs has been reduced from previous plans, the overall treatment capacity remains unchanged, with Elamkulam and Muttar strategically chosen for efficient coverage. KWA owns the Elamkulam site, and KMRL has acquired three acres at Muttar, ensuring smooth construction once approvals are granted.
Once operational, the STPs will treat sewage from most areas of Kochi Corporation, excluding Willingdon Island and West Kochi, and will extend services to parts of Kalamassery, Eloor, and Tripunithura municipalities. Urban planners highlight that modernising the sewerage system is crucial for reducing untreated discharge into the city’s waterways, supporting cleaner, more resilient urban environments.The canal rejuvenation segment remains in early stages. Preliminary surveys and encroachment clearances by the revenue and survey departments are pending, delaying rehabilitation work along the city’s canals. Experts stress that integrated management of sewage and waterway restoration is essential for long-term sustainability, equitable access to clean water, and climate-resilient urban planning.
While rising costs have temporarily slowed the IURWTS project, officials emphasise that upgraded infrastructure will provide Kochi with durable, high-quality sewage treatment solutions. Completion of the STPs and eventual canal restoration is expected to significantly enhance urban sanitation, support zero-carbon development goals, and serve as a model for sustainable water management in other Indian cities.
