Navi Mumbai is set to mark a major milestone in urban water infrastructure as the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) approaches its first-ever tunnel breakthrough under the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme. The project, designed to address the chronic water shortage across the city’s rapidly growing residential and industrial zones, promises to more than double the current supply capacity from 120 million litres per day (MLD) to 270 MLD.
The Hetawane initiative involves constructing two major tunnels: a 13.25-kilometre raw water conduit and a 15.4-kilometre treated water tunnel. The breakthrough is scheduled at Shaft-4 in Wahal village under Water Tunnel Package-1, executed by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. So far, approximately 5.52 kilometres of the treated water tunnel has been completed, with the TBM Flamingo achieving record tunnelling progress of 777 metres in a single month — surpassing its previous best of 714 metres. Senior CIDCO officials emphasised that the tunnelling work, carried out nearly 100 metres underground, navigates complex geological formations, including Amygdaloidal basalt characteristic of the Deccan Sahyadri region. “This achievement reflects meticulous planning and seamless collaboration between engineers and technical teams,” a CIDCO official said. The project has also addressed logistical challenges, including constrained workspaces and intricate muck disposal operations, ensuring consistent progress despite technical hurdles.
Urban planners note that the Hetawane scheme represents a significant step towards sustainable water management in Navi Mumbai. By substantially increasing supply and reducing dependence on intermittent sources, the project supports both civic equity and industrial development in the city. Moreover, the integration of advanced tunnelling techniques and long-term planning demonstrates how infrastructure projects can balance engineering complexity with urban sustainability goals. Industry experts also highlight the social impact of this milestone. Reliable water access is fundamental for inclusive urban growth, reducing disparities across Navi Mumbai’s diverse neighbourhoods. The augmentation of water supply capacity is expected to ease pressure on existing systems, enhance residential living standards, and strengthen industrial productivity, ultimately contributing to economic resilience in the region.
As CIDCO approaches the tunnel breakthrough, the project underscores the importance of long-term infrastructure planning for rapidly urbanising Indian cities. Once operational, the Hetawane Water Supply Scheme will serve as a benchmark for combining technical innovation, civic planning, and sustainable resource management, ensuring that Navi Mumbai’s expanding population enjoys equitable and reliable water access.
CIDCO Achieves Tunnel Milestone Boosting Hetawane Water Supply For Navi Mumbai
