Pure play water technology company VA Tech Wabag has secured a letter of award worth over ₹1,000 crore from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) for the development of a looped transmission network under the Chennai Climate Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project (CCRWSSP).
Funded by the Asian Development Bank, the project aims to establish a city-wide water grid platform for Chennai, enabling more flexible water distribution, improved pressure management, and enhanced operational reliability during both routine operations and emergency conditions.
Building A Resilient Water Grid
The project will be executed through a joint venture led by VA Tech Wabag. At its core is the development of a ring main system, which will serve as the backbone of Chennai’s bulk water transmission network.
The system will interconnect existing and new pumping stations, service reservoirs, and key distribution nodes, allowing dynamic balancing of water flows across multiple zones. By reducing reliance on single transmission corridors, the network is expected to enhance resilience against disruptions and ensure more equitable water distribution across the city.
The project holds particular significance for Chennai, a city that has historically faced water scarcity, uneven supply distribution, and periodic shortages, challenges that have been further intensified by climate variability and dependence on distant water sources.
Integrating Digital Water Management
The initiative will incorporate digital monitoring, automated controls, and performance-based operations and maintenance, enabling smarter management of the city’s water supply network.
The scope of the project includes the development of bulk transmission pipelines, feeder mains, pumping stations, and underground storage tanks, along with integration with the city’s central SCADA system. The work will also cover testing and commissioning of the entire network.
The construction phase is expected to be completed within 54 months, followed by 10 years of operation and maintenance.
Supporting Long-Term Urban Water Security
Once operational, the network will create a climate-resilient water grid designed to help Chennai manage water resources more efficiently, respond swiftly to disruptions, and deliver reliable water supply to its rapidly growing population.
VA Tech Wabag India cluster CEO Shailesh Kumar said the initiative represents a key step toward building future-ready water infrastructure for the city. The development of a city-wide water grid would significantly improve supply reliability, operational flexibility, and climate resilience. The project, he added, reflects VA Tech Wabag’s commitment to partnering with CMWSSB to strengthen Chennai’s long-term water security through advanced infrastructure and smart network management.