Mumbai’s water infrastructure is set for a major upgrade, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) allocating nearly Rs 6,000 crore in its 2026–27 budget to strengthen supply systems through new dams, conveyance tunnels and a desalination plant.
The civic body has earmarked its largest-ever share of capital expenditure for water supply initiatives, accounting for more than 12% of the total budget. Officials noted that Mumbai’s existing water supply of around 3,850 million litres per day (MLD) is currently below the estimated demand of approximately 4,300 MLD, creating a shortfall of nearly 400 MLD. The city depends entirely on reservoirs located in neighbouring districts, which are replenished during the monsoon and supply water through treatment facilities.
To improve the efficiency and stability of water distribution, the BMC has prioritised the development of six large water conveyance tunnels. These underground tunnels will connect major filtration plants, including the Bhandup facility and the proposed Panjrapur treatment plant, with different reservoirs. The system is designed to ensure continuous water flow even if conventional pipelines face operational disruptions, pressure fluctuations or maintenance-related shutdowns. Each tunnel will function independently while forming part of a wider interconnected network.
Another significant component of the plan is the revival of the Gargai dam project, which had previously faced delays due to administrative and funding hurdles. Once completed, the dam is expected to serve as an additional freshwater source for the city.
In parallel, the civic body is moving forward with a desalination plant that will convert seawater into drinking water, creating an alternative supply to meet Mumbai’s rising demand. Water from both these sources will be transported through the planned tunnel network, treated at filtration plants and then distributed across residential and commercial areas.
The budget also outlines measures aimed at long-term sustainability. Officials plan to recycle nearly 50 per cent of the city’s sewage water for non-potable uses, reducing pressure on freshwater reserves.
Through these combined efforts—including new sources, expanded treatment capacity and upgraded infrastructure—Mumbai aims to increase its daily water supply to between 5,000 and 5,500 MLD over the next decade. The civic administration said the strategy also factors in climate variability and population growth to ensure a more resilient and reliable water supply system for the future.
Source: Prop News Time
