Chennai, August 21 (APAC Media): The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $230 million loan agreement to modernise Chennai’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure and strengthen the city’s resilience to climate change.
The Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project aims to expand access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services while improving public health, quality of life and the financial sustainability of the city’s water utility.
The loan documents were signed by Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India, and Mio Oka, Country Director, ADB India Resident Mission, on behalf of ADB.
The project aligns with the government’s urban development initiatives, including AMRUT 2.0 and the Urban Challenge Fund.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades
The project will develop more than 170 km of new water supply and sewer networks and upgrade seven water pumping stations and 38 sewer pumping stations.
It will also strengthen water utility assets and improve operations through performance-based contracts.
A key component is the introduction of a ring-main water supply system, under which Chennai will become the first Indian city to adopt a closed-loop water distribution network. The system is designed to maintain balanced pressure and improve the reliability and equitable distribution of water.
Digital Transformation of Water Services
The project will introduce real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making to improve utility operations and customer services.
Technology will also be used to reduce hazardous manual sewer inspections, enabling quicker detection of blockages while improving safety for sanitation workers.
Water distribution networks in at least two Greater Chennai zones will also be prepared for future investments.
Building a Climate-Resilient Water System
Chennai faces growing pressure on its water infrastructure due to population growth, extreme weather events and climate change.
The project builds on ADB’s earlier investments in the city and combines infrastructure upgrades with digital monitoring and improved utility management.
The initiative aims to create a more reliable, equitable, climate-resilient and financially sustainable water and sanitation system for Chennai.
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