Chennai set for massive water overhaul as India, ADB sign $230 million deal

India’s engagement with ADB for finalising the loan was undertaken under the guidance of Baldeo Purushartha, Joint Secretary (ADB & Japan), Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.

The loan documents were signed by Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Government of India, and Mio Oka, Country Director, India Resident Mission, on behalf of ADB.

The Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project aims to improve access to safe and reliable water supplies and better sanitation services across the city. The project is also expected to strengthen Chennai’s resilience to climate change, improve public health and quality of life, and support a more efficient and financially sustainable urban water system.

ADB said the latest investment builds on its earlier projects in Chennai aimed at expanding access to safe and equitable water and waste management services. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s flagship urban development programmes, including the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and the Urban Challenge Fund.

Under the project, more than 170 km of water supply and sewerage pipes will be constructed. Seven water pumping stations and 38 sewer pumping stations will also be upgraded.

The project will further strengthen water utility assets and operational management through performance-based contracts.

Chennai will also become the first Indian city to implement a comprehensive ring-main solution, a closed-loop plumbing system designed to maintain balanced water pressure and distribute water more efficiently across service areas. The system is expected to improve the reliability, equity and resilience of the city's water supply network against natural hazards.

ADB will also support the digital transformation of Chennai’s water and sanitation services through real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making and improved customer responsiveness.

Advanced technologies will be introduced to eliminate hazardous manual sewer inspections, speed up and improve the safety of blockage detection, enhance worker safety and prepare distribution networks in at least two Greater Chennai zones for future investments.

The project is expected to play a key role in building a more climate-resilient, technology-driven and sustainable urban water and sanitation system for Chennai.