In a major infrastructure development for urban water management, VA Tech WABAG Limited has announced that its joint venture (JV) has secured a ‘Mega’ contract from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to build a city-wide looped water transmission grid for Chennai.

The project will be implemented under the Chennai Climate Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project (CCRWSSP) and is funded by the Asian Development Bank.

The contract has been classified as a “Mega order,” meaning the project value exceeds ₹1,000 crore, making it one of the largest water infrastructure initiatives in Chennai.

Building Chennai’s City-Wide Water Grid

The project aims to develop a looped transmission network that will form the backbone of a city-wide water grid for Greater Chennai.

Once completed, the system will enable:

• Flexible water routing across different parts of the city

• Improved pressure management

• Reliable water supply during emergencies or disruptions

This infrastructure will significantly strengthen Chennai’s bulk water transmission network, helping the city manage water resources more efficiently.

Addressing Chennai’s Water Challenges

The project is particularly important because Chennai has historically faced several water-related challenges.

These include:

• Periodic water scarcity

• Uneven distribution across different zones

• Dependence on distant surface water sources

• Supply disruptions caused by climate variability

By creating an interconnected water grid, authorities aim to balance water flows across different areas and reduce reliance on single transmission corridors.

Infrastructure and Digital Integration

The scope of work for the project includes development of multiple components within the water transmission system.

Key infrastructure elements include:

• Bulk transmission pipelines

• Feeder mains

• Pumping stations

• Underground water tanks

In addition, the project will integrate digital monitoring systems and automated control technologies.

The network will also be connected to the central SCADA system, enabling real-time monitoring and smarter management of the city’s water supply.

Project Timeline and Operations

According to the official announcement, the construction phase of the project will be completed within 54 months.

Following completion, the project will include 10 years of operation and maintenance (O&M) to ensure efficient long-term performance of the system.

Once operational, the infrastructure will help improve Chennai’s ability to respond to supply disruptions and ensure consistent water availability for its growing population.

WABAG to Lead the Joint Venture

The project will be executed through a joint venture led by VA Tech WABAG Limited, a global water technology company headquartered in Chennai.

The company has extensive experience in designing and executing large-scale water infrastructure projects around the world.

Commenting on the development, Shailesh Kumar, CEO – India Cluster at WABAG, said the project represents an important step toward creating future-ready water infrastructure for Chennai.

He added that the water grid will enhance operational flexibility, supply reliability and climate resilience for the city.

About VA Tech WABAG

VA Tech WABAG Limited is a global leader in water technology solutions with operations in more than 25 countries.

Over the past decades, the company has:

• Designed and built over 1,500 water and wastewater treatment plants worldwide

• Deployed more than 2,000 water professionals globally

• Developed 125+ intellectual property rights in water technologies

WABAG provides end-to-end water solutions, covering the entire lifecycle of water infrastructure projects, from design and engineering to operations and maintenance.

Focus on Sustainability and Global Goals

The company’s initiatives align with the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water conservation and sustainable infrastructure.

Its sustainability focus includes:

• Water recycling and reuse

• Resource optimisation

• Environmental conservation

• Climate-resilient infrastructure development

These efforts position the company as a key global partner in sustainable water management solutions.

Conclusion

The mega contract secured by VA Tech WABAG Limited marks a significant milestone for both the company and the city of Chennai.

By building a city-wide looped water grid, the project aims to strengthen water distribution, improve resilience against climate-related disruptions, and ensure sustainable and reliable water supply for millions of residents.

The initiative also reflects the growing focus on smart urban infrastructure and climate-resilient water management in rapidly expanding cities.

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