BMC Proposes ₹2,241-Crore Water Tunnel Contract

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a ₹2,241-crore contract to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd for the construction of a water tunnel linking the Manori desalination plant to Mumbai's water distribution network in Kandivali.

The tunnel will run from Manori in Malad to Charkop Municipal Garden and Mahavir Nagar, enabling treated desalinated water to be integrated into the city's supply system. The water tunnel and pumping station under the project are being designed to handle a capacity of 400 MLD. However, in the first phase, the pumping station's mechanical and electrical systems will be equipped to handle 200 MLD.

According to civic officials, the proposed tunnel will run 4.63 km from Manori to Charkop Municipal Garden and a further 2.545 km to Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali, making it 7.175 km long in total, with an overall diameter of 2.5 metres. The tunnel will be excavated 104–128 metres underground using two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), with shafts at Manori, Charkop Municipal Garden and Mahavir Nagar.

The proposed desalination plant has a 48-month construction timeline, with the linked water tunnel scheduled for completion in 45 months to ensure timely integration with Mumbai's water network. A 100-kW solar power system at the pumping station is also planned to reduce electricity consumption and civic costs.

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd emerged as the lowest bidder for the project, quoting 1.82% below the BMC's estimated cost of ₹1,577 crore. The BMC has proposed awarding the contract to Afcons, with the total project cost, including taxes, expected to rise to ₹2,241 crore. The proposal has been placed before the Standing Committee for final approval.

The Manori desalination plant is a key project for the BMC, aiming to provide an additional 200 MLD of water to the city's supply system. The project is expected to be completed in 48 months, with the water tunnel scheduled for completion in 45 months.

The BMC had awarded the contract to GVPR Engineers Limited to set up the desalination plant in December 2025. The completion of the Gargai Dam and Manori desalination projects on time is expected to provide Mumbai with an additional 640 MLD of water by 2029.

The proposed water tunnel contract is a significant step towards augmenting Mumbai's water supply system. The project is expected to provide relief to the city's residents, who often face water shortages during the summer months.

In conclusion, the BMC's proposal to award the contract to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd for the construction of the water tunnel is a crucial step towards completing the Manori desalination project. The project is expected to provide an additional 200 MLD of water to the city's supply system, helping to alleviate water shortages in Mumbai.