The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed a $230 million loan agreement to modernise Chennai’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure, with the project aimed at improving reliability, climate resilience and public health across the city.
The agreement was signed by Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Indian government, and Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission. The engagement was coordinated under the guidance of Baldeo Purushartha, Joint Secretary (ADB & Japan) in the Department of Economic Affairs.
Under the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project, more than 170 km of new water supply and sewer pipelines will be constructed. The project also includes the upgradation of seven water pumping stations and 38 sewer pumping stations across the metropolitan region.
The initiative is designed to provide safer and more reliable water supply and sanitation services while strengthening the city’s ability to withstand climate-related risks. It also seeks to improve the efficiency and financial sustainability of Chennai’s urban water network.
Also read: Tamil Nadu CM pushes for Bengaluru-Hosur metro link
The project builds on previous ADB investments in Chennai and is aligned with government programmes such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and the Urban Challenge Fund.
A key feature of the project will be the introduction of a comprehensive ring-main water distribution system, making Chennai the first city in India to deploy such a system at this scale.
The closed-loop network is expected to maintain more balanced water pressure and distribute water more efficiently across designated service zones. Officials said the system would improve reliability, ensure greater equity in water distribution and strengthen resilience against natural hazards.
The project will also focus on upgrading water utility assets and improving operational management through performance-based contracts.
ADB will support the digital transformation of Chennai’s water and sanitation services through real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making and improved mechanisms for responding to consumer needs.
Technology will also be introduced to reduce the need for hazardous manual inspections of sewer lines, allowing workers to identify blockages more quickly and safely. The project will further prepare distribution networks in at least two Greater Chennai zones for future infrastructure investments.
Follow us
