July 26, 2025:
Patel Engineering Limited, a prominent Indian infrastructure and construction services firm, has announced a major breakthrough in the Powai-Ghatkopar Water Tunnel project, commissioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This milestone marks the successful completion of two critical tunnel segments: a 2.045-kilometre stretch from the SCI shaft to the Ghatkopar High-Level Reservoir (HLR), and a 0.742-kilometre section from the HLR to the Low-Level Reservoir (LLR).
Executed using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology—an advanced and minimally disruptive method ideal for urban settings—the project is being delivered solely by Patel Engineering under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) framework. The tunnel, located 60 metres underground, features a 2.80-metre excavation diameter and a 2.20-metre internal diameter, designed to operate efficiently across varying soil conditions.
The Powai-Ghatkopar tunnel is poised to significantly enhance water supply reliability for Mumbai’s eastern suburbs by replacing old surface pipelines with a durable underground transmission system. Its modern design will reduce leakages, prevent contamination, and avoid surface-level disruptions, all while ensuring real-time water flow monitoring.
Constructed with environmental considerations and urban impact in mind, the tunnel runs beneath densely populated areas. TBM technology was specifically selected to maintain high precision with minimal surface disturbance, ensuring both public safety and engineering accuracy.
Kavita Shirvaikar, Managing Director of Patel Engineering, remarked, “This breakthrough reflects our ability to deliver complex infrastructure responsibly and independently. I commend our teams for their precision and discipline under Mumbai’s challenging conditions. We are proud to strengthen India’s urban infrastructure while improving the quality of life for millions in the eastern suburbs.”
The project represents a key step in building a sustainable, future-ready water network for Mumbai.
Source: The Free press Journal
