Pune Water Supply Project Faces Extended Delay

Pune: More than eight years after work began on Pune’s ambitious Equal Water Supply Scheme, the city is yet to realise its objective of providing equitable and reliable water distribution. Despite expenditure estimated at around ₹1,600 crore and claims that nearly 90 per cent of the work has been completed, the project remains unfinished, prompting fresh calls for greater transparency over its progress, costs and expected public benefits.

The scheme was launched in 2018 to modernise Pune’s ageing water infrastructure by reducing distribution losses, replacing old pipelines, constructing new service reservoirs and introducing metered household connections. The long-term objective was to improve network efficiency, reduce non-revenue water and eventually support continuous and equitable water supply across the city. Originally targeted for completion by 2022, the Equal Water Supply Scheme has undergone multiple deadline extensions. Civic observers note that the project’s scope has also been revised during implementation, with portions of the planned pipeline network and metering programme reportedly reduced. Even after these revisions, the remaining work is expected to continue until at least March 2027. The prolonged delay has intensified concerns about the city’s water security as Pune continues to experience rapid population growth and expanding urban boundaries. Residents in several localities continue to depend on intermittent supply schedules, while seasonal shortages and uneven water distribution remain recurring civic issues during periods of high demand.

Urban infrastructure experts argue that large-scale water network upgrades are inherently complex because they require simultaneous improvements in transmission pipelines, distribution systems, storage infrastructure and consumer connections. However, they also emphasise that projects of this scale should be accompanied by regular public reporting, measurable performance indicators and independent monitoring to ensure accountability. The Equal Water Supply Scheme was also expected to significantly reduce water losses across the city’s distribution network. Lower leakage rates not only improve operational efficiency but also reduce pressure on reservoirs and river systems by making better use of existing water resources. In rapidly urbanising cities, such improvements are increasingly viewed as essential for climate resilience and long-term resource sustainability. Water policy specialists further note that modern distribution systems can help utilities manage demand more effectively through accurate metering, pressure management and real-time monitoring. However, these benefits depend on timely project completion and consistent operation after commissioning rather than infrastructure creation alone. The delayed rollout has also gained attention amid wider debates over Pune’s water availability and regulatory oversight. The city has faced scrutiny over water consumption beyond allocated limits, placing additional importance on completing infrastructure that improves efficiency instead of relying solely on increased extraction.

Civic groups have sought greater disclosure regarding project execution, expenditure and outcomes, arguing that a comprehensive public review would help clarify why timelines have repeatedly shifted and whether the original objectives remain achievable. Urban governance experts believe such transparency can strengthen public confidence while informing future infrastructure planning. As Pune prepares for continued urban expansion, the successful completion of the Equal Water Supply Scheme will remain central to ensuring reliable, equitable and sustainable water services. Beyond finishing construction, the city’s long-term challenge will be translating infrastructure investment into measurable improvements in everyday water access for residents.

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Pune Water Supply Project Faces Extended Delay