With the increasing emphasis on wastewater reuse, India is exploring the development of dedicated pipeline infrastructure to channel treated water from wastewater treatment plants to various end-users, including industrial clusters. A key enabler of this transformation is the extensive network of robust and well-connected pipelines being laid out across different parts of the country. These pipelines are planned to serve multiple functions, such as transporting wastewater and facilitating the supply of recycled water for industrial processes.
In this context, the Indirapuram-Sahibabad Water Pipeline Project by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC), completed in April 2025, is an example of a well-designed and well constructed pipeline network in achieving efficient water resource recovery. With the use of high quality materials and electromagnetic flowmeters, the project has established a seamless and reliable conduit for supplying treated wastewater to industries.
Project overview and key features
The project features a robust pipeline infrastructure designed to connect the tertiary sewage treatment plant (TSTP) at Indirapuram to over 1,400 industries in the Sahibabad Industrial Area, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The project has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.2 billion by VA Tech WABAG under the hybrid annuity model. Of the total cost, Rs 1.5 billion was raised through green municipal bonds, while Rs 1.7 billion was funded by GMC. Notably, this pipeline project marked the issuance of India’s first green municipal bond in the sustainable water management domain.
For the efficient transportation of high quality treated water, the TSTP deploys advanced membrane filtration technologies, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis (RO). The pipeline network spans around 95 km, and includes necessary valves and specialised pipelines to carry recycled water from the ultrafiltration and RO units of the 40 million litre per day (mld) TSTP to Sahibabad. This entire system ensures high quality water supply for reuse by industries.
Use of durable and eco-friendly materials and design
The project has been implemented using durable and environmentally responsible materials such as cast iron (CI) and ductile iron (DI) pipes, ensuring long-term performance and sustainability. The CI pipelines are highly durable, sustainable and fully recyclable. Meanwhile, the DI-K9 pipes have high-tensile strength and corrosion resistance. These properties reduce the risk of breakage and leakage, leading to lower maintenance costs and a longer service lifespan. The sewage distribution system has been carefully designed and installed to include the DI-K9 pipes ranging from 100 mm to 1,000 mm in diameter.
Further, the fluid velocity as per design requirements has been optimised to ensure safe and efficient pipeline operations. The adopted design parameters maintain velocity in the range of 0.75-1.5 metres per second for gravity flow pipelines, 1.2-2 metres per second for pumping suction pipelines, 1.2-2.5 metres per second for pumping discharge pipelines and 15-18 metres per second for air pipelines. These features help maintain adequate flow pressure, minimise water losses and ensure noiseless operations.
Pipeline leakage detection and consumption monitoring measures
To ensure the accurate monitoring and responsible use of water resources, electromagnetic flowmeters have been installed at the terminal points of the distribution network, particularly at industrial end-user points. These meters play a crucial role in measuring flow rates with high precision, enabling the continuous tracking of water consumption across different industrial units. By providing real-time data, the system helps identify irregularities such as leakages and unauthorised usage, allowing for timely corrective interventions.
Future potential
The water pipeline project is a landmark initiative in sustainable urban water infrastructure development, exemplifying innovation, efficiency and environmental responsibility. It also has the potential to generate revenue for GMC by supplying recycled water to industries for non-potable use at a rate of Rs 45.90 per kilolitre. Through this initiative, GMC is expected to secure a steady revenue stream of around Rs 50 million per month, strengthening the civic body’s self-sufficiency and fiscal stability.
The pipeline project has enabled the large-scale reuse of treated wastewater for industrial purposes. With a 40 mld net output and the ability to process secondary treated water from the 56 mld Indirapuram sewage treatment plant, the project seamlessly integrates resilient pipeline infrastructure with advanced treatment technologies, thereby significantly strengthening the overall wastewater pipeline system.
By converting treated sewage into a reliable industrial resource and reducing dependence on fresh water, the project has set a national benchmark for sustainable water reuse while creating a new revenue stream for civic bodies. It has also inspired similar initiatives across India.
With the project now operational, its potential extends beyond the immediate service areas, as GMC plans to expand the supply of treated water localities such as Rajendra Nagar and Mohan Nagar.