Mumbai Water Tunnel: BMC Taps Underground Solution

The state government has approved the construction of an eight-kilometer water tunnel connecting Pise and Panjrapur in Thane district to enhance Mumbai's water supply. This vital infrastructure project will replace four existing pipelines that currently ferry water from the Pise pumping station to the Panjrapur water treatment plant. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will undertake the design and construction at its own expense, ensuring no financial liability for the state government.

The Pise-Panjrapur Complex is a critical water treatment facility for Mumbai. The existing pipelines, some commissioned as early as 1979, will be rendered obsolete by the new tunnel. The BMC's proposal, submitted in March 2026, was granted approval with conditions, including the prevention of damage to existing structures and the necessity of securing environmental and groundwater clearances.

Prior to selecting tunneling equipment, the BMC must conduct a detailed geological study of the proposed route. Stringent measures are mandated to prevent disasters during and after construction, especially considering the monsoon season. These include waste disposal protocols, dust pollution control, and noise level limitations, requiring levels below 55 decibels at excavation sites.

The BMC will assume full responsibility for the tunnel's maintenance, preservation, and repair, along with all associated legal and administrative matters. This initiative is part of a larger plan to increase the Panjrapur water treatment capacity from 1,365 million litres per day to 1,820 million litres per day.