Mumbai's Water Infrastructure Gets Boost With New 8.48 Km Tunnel Between Ghatkopar And Dharavi

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to construct an 8.48 km-long water supply tunnel between Dharavi and Ghatkopar, as per a report by The Indian Express.

The underground tunnel will be built at a depth of 145-150 metres, with its deepest point reaching 152 metres at Ghatkopar. Unlike traditional pipelines, which are vulnerable to damage from road or civil infrastructure works, the tunnel will be laid at a deeper level to ensure greater protection.

The BMC is also constructing two wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) at these locations. Recycled water will be transported through the newly constructed tunnels, enhancing the city's wastewater management.

This tunnel will form part of a larger 11.61 km water tunnel network that the BMC is expanding from Ghatkopar to Bhandup. At present, Mumbai's underground water network spans 100 km, providing an essential infrastructure to address the city's water supply needs.

The eastern suburbs of Ghatkopar, Parel, and Wadala, as well as other central parts of the city, have long faced challenges with water supply, particularly due to aging pipelines that struggled to maintain adequate water pressure in densely populated areas.

The new tunnel is expected to mitigate these issues, as its larger diameter will allow for improved water pressure and reduced incidents of water contamination and man-made leakages, reports Financial Express.

The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 1,989 crore, received its construction work order on 30 September. The tunnel will be constructed using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and will have a diameter of approximately 12 meters. Civic officials explained that the larger tunnels would minimise the risk of pipeline damage during infrastructure works and help ensure a more reliable water supply.

In August, the BMC completed the excavation of a 9.7 km water tunnel between Ghatkopar and Wadala, expanding Mumbai's water tunnel network. The city's first water supply tunnel was laid in 1955, and the network has grown steadily since then.

With the latest expansion, Mumbai's water tunnel network now totals 100 km, putting it in close competition with New York City, which currently holds the record for the world’s longest water tunnel network at 111 km.