The Indian government has become increasingly aware of the impact of climate change on crucial water resources as well as the gaps in its existing water pipeline infrastructure. This ageing network suffers from broken joints, cracks and deteriorating material, resulting in significant water leakages and unaccounted-for water distribution by utilities. Utilities in Indian cities report average non-revenue water (NRW) levels of 40-50 per cent. In response, the government has prioritised consistent water supply for all households by repairing, upgrading and expanding the piped water network.
Many state governments and water boards are collaborating to design, lay, join, test and commission bulk water supply systems for domestic and industrial use. Their efforts also include expanding the pipeline network for drainage, sewage and reuse of treated wastewater for alternative purposes. They are transitioning from traditional materials for pipes and pipe appurtenances to more agile and modern alternatives such as ductile iron, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride composites and glass-reinforced plastics.
Water supply pipeline infrastructure
The government aims to improve access to piped water across all Indian cities by strengthening existing pipeline networks and constructing new ones under various schemes. Urban local bodies (ULBs) and state water boards are leading these efforts under schemes such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). While the JJM covers all rural regions, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 target urban areas. As of September 2024, around 63,000 km of the water network and 18,400 km of the sewer network have been laid under AMRUT, with over 80 per cent of rural households receiving functional tap water connections through JJM.
At the city level, several initiatives are underway. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation plans to set up a 5.48 km long water pipeline under AMRUT and improve the drinking water supply in west and south west Nagpur, covering areas such as Hill Top, Sanjay Nagar, Sudam Nagari, Nagpur University and LIT. The proposed pipeline will be laid from Seminary Hills to Veterinary Square to Telangkhedi Road, MJP Office, Ravi Nagar and Gandhi Nagar T-point. Meanwhile, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation is developing a 32 km long underground water pipeline network to cater to 28 wards in Bidhannagar, West Bengal, under AMRUT 2.0. The project will also include the provision of water connections and construction of underground water reservoirs.
In addition, many projects aim to reinforce their existing water pipelines to ensure continuous supply. For example, a 165 km long water transmission line is being set up under the 24×7 Ludhiana Bulk Water Supply Project in Punjab. Surveys for the pipeline network are under way, as of September 2024. The project, being executed in two phases under AMRUT, also includes house service connections, meter installations and a 10-year operations and maintenance contract. As of August 2024, 797 km out of a targeted 1,911 km water pipeline network has been completed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The work is being carried out under a new water supply project, scheduled for completion by December 2024. Around 55 per cent of the internal pipeline work across the city is under progress.
Drainage, sewage and treated wastewater-based pipeline infrastructure
Many cities are taking steps to improve the quality of drainage and sewage systems to ensure the proper discharge and treatment of stormwater and wastewater. This includes the repair of the underground pipeline network. For instance, the Tiruchirappalli City Municipal Corporation is planning to replace old sewer lines in Srirangam. Following frequent bursts of sewage pipelines on Gandhi Road in Srirangam, the corporation decided to revamp the underground drainage pipeline network, which is more than 20 years old. Meanwhile, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is planning to construct a 70 km long sewage pipeline under the Adyar River Rejuvenation Project in Tamil Nadu. The project, extending from Saidapet to Thiru Vi Ka bridge, is expected to begin soon. It will also include the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and the plugging of sewage outfalls.
As water infrastructure matures, metropolitan cities are introducing dedicated systems for reusing treated wastewater. For instance, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board is planning to build a dedicated pipeline to supply treated water to industries, starting from the Peenya Industrial Area which houses over 15,000 industries. This initiative will reduce dependence on Cauvery river water and borewells. It will also mitigate pollution from wastewater discharge into waterbodies.
In September 2024, the Noida Development Authority started laying pipelines to use treated wastewater for irrigation in green zones across the city. Two major projects have been planned for this purpose, connecting STPs in Sector 123 with Sectors 73-79 and other neighbouring sectors. In addition, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority plans to provide recycled water to new sectors along the Dwarka Expressway through a new pipeline. The pipeline will distribute treated wastewater from the common effluent treatment plant in Manesar to existing recycled water pipelines in Sectors 81, 86, 87, 90, 91 and 92.
Other related initiatives
Industries are setting up new pipeline infrastructure to enhance their water supply from alternative sources like desalination plants. For example, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited plans to lay a 22 km, 28 inch water pipeline, connecting the desalination plant at Ennore, Tamil Nadu, to its Manali refinery. The project, likely to be completed by September 2025, will also include a 10 inch reverse osmosis reject water pipeline. Meanwhile, the CMWSSB is improving water supply by laying its second water pipeline from the Chembarambakkam water treatment plant, in collaboration with the Water Resources Department, to enhance reservoir capacities.
ULBs are also working to streamline water supply and drainage networks. As of September 2024, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has been relocating water pipelines that cross city drains in Visakhapatnam to prevent the mixing of drain water with clean water. This initiative is a part of the city’s 100-day action plan. It will also help curb water borne diseases. Out of the 398 identified pipelines, 340 have already been rerouted, with the remaining work expected to be completed soon.
Furthermore, Indian states are adopting digital solutions to strengthen water pipeline infrastructure. These include new instruments and digital devices, which help in checking the efficiency of the water pipeline network. For instance, a pilot project in Gujarat will enable the real-time monitoring of pipeline infrastructure. Bulk flow meters and quality analysers will be installed across the pipeline network under this project, along with a comprehensive dashboard which will display key performance indicators and spatial maps of the network.
In sum
As efforts to upgrade water pipeline infrastructure accelerate, cities are aiming to lower their NRW to below 20 per cent. Government schemes will continue to provide a strong impetus to achieve these targets, along with financial assistance. Under AMRUT 2.0, projects covering 142,000 km of the water distribution network and 29,105 km of the sewer network are planned. Many ongoing 24×7 water supply projects will also support these developments through the adoption of smart meters, IoT-based sensors, and advanced remote monitoring systems. These technologies will help detect and control leakages in water pipelines.
Shubhangi Goswami