BMC to begin excavation for ambitious Kasheli-Mulund water tunnel project from July

Once complete, the civic body will begin to utilise this tunnel for water supply, rendering the existing network of pipelines as a back-up. The proposed work on the tunnel also comes in wake of ongoing work to widen the Mumbai-Nashik highway and in a bid to improve water security in the city by providing an alternative to the existing surface water pipelines.

As per senior officials, while the tunnel will marginally augment water supply, the project’s main objective is to secure water-supply assets of the megapolis.

“As of now, the pipelines are on the ground, which is a risk. Once this project is complete, we want to supply water through this tunnel, while we keep the pipeline as a back-up. The project is more about securing water-supply assets rather than augmentation,” an official said.

“As a security measure, a city should always have a backup plan. When there is no such back-up, the whole city runs the risk of water supply being cut in case of any eventuality, such as damage,” the official added.

The tenders for this project were floated in 2024 following which the groundworks had begun. The BMC has set up a 2030 deadline for completion of this project.