NAVI MUMBAI: As our city hurtles towards becoming a global hub, driven by projects like the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), NAINA, and extensive housing schemes, the demand for water is reaching unprecedented levels. Acknowledging this critical challenge, CIDCO has unveiled a comprehensive water infrastructure strategy designed to secure the city’s needs right up to 2050, with projected demand soaring to 1275 Million Litres per Day (MLD).
“As Navi Mumbai continues to grow and develop, our commitment to sustainable water management remains unwavering,” stated Vijay Singhal, CIDCO’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director. “With a robust water supply network, we’re building resilience for tomorrow, not just today.”
A multi-pronged approach to supply
CIDCO’s ambitious blueprint involves a strategic blend of enhancing existing water sources and developing crucial new ones. Plans include significant upgrades to current supply lines from Hetawane Dam, various Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) schemes, NMMC, and MIDC networks. Looking to the future, the development of new sources from Balganga and Kondhane Dams is firmly on the cards. The Kondhane Dam, strategically located on the Ulhas River, is poised to initially contribute 250 MLD, with the capacity to expand to 350 MLD, a move set to be a game-changer, particularly for the burgeoning NAINA and Panvel areas.
To bridge any immediate gaps, CIDCO had already secured an additional 120 MLD quota from Hetawane Dam, sanctioned by the Government of Maharashtra in 2020 at a cost of ₹119.80 crore. This vital augmentation project, being developed in four phases, is slated for completion by June 2029. Current progress shows the water treatment plant at 41% completion, pure water tunnels at 25.7%, and the raw water tunnel at 8.5%.
Setting national benchmarks in tunneling
A standout achievement in this monumental undertaking is CIDCO’s tunneling project, which has already set new national standards. Utilising Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Flamingo, in partnership with Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, the project has recorded:
- The highest single-day progress in India: 53 meters (achieved March 2025).
- The highest monthly progress in India: 714 meters (recorded May 2025).
These impressive figures surpass the previous national benchmark of 679 meters, solidifying Navi Mumbai’s position at the forefront of water tunneling infrastructure.
With renowned project management consultants onboard ensuring international standards in design and quality, CIDCO’s water projects are not only timely but also technically robust. These colossal efforts are projected to revolutionise water supply in CIDCO-administered areas, including the Panvel Municipal Corporation, thereby significantly enhancing the liveability and resilience of the entire Navi Mumbai region.
A resident’s perspective: Ensuring water security for urban stability
Witnessing Navi Mumbai’s dramatic evolution over the decades, the city’s water infrastructure has always been a pressing concern. Even today, rapidly developing nodes like Taloja, Upper Kharghar, and Ulwe occasionally grapple with inconsistent supply – a reality often highlighted in local news reports and residents’ forums. This ongoing backdrop makes CIDCO’s ambitious long-term water management strategy, extending to 2050, profoundly significant.
While the sheer scale of the proposed upgrades and new sources, along with the impressive, record-setting tunneling efforts, certainly demonstrates a proactive approach, their ultimate success rests squarely on diligent and timely execution. For residents, whose daily lives and the city’s projected growth – including plans for “Third Mumbai” and continuous construction – hinge on reliable supply, this plan represents a crucial, albeit anticipated, response to both current pressures and extensive future demands. It’s a vision that offers a pathway to enduring urban stability, provided its ambitious targets are met without faltering, ensuring our city’s future truly remains liquid-secure.
Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by Staff Reporter
