Mumbai: MMRDA achieves tunnel breakthrough in Surya Regional Water Supply Project

🔴 The project aimed at bringing a permanent end to the water woes of Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar was started in 2017 and was estimated to be complete by March 2020.

The project, which will supply 403 million litres of water every day, is equipped with two pumping stations located at Kawadas and Surya Nagar. (File)

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved the first tunnel breakthrough of the much-delayed Surya Regional Water Supply Project, which will provide 403 million litres per day (MLD) water supply to Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC).

Officials said that the Surya Regional Water Supply scheme witnessed a breakthrough of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) at Medhwankhind water tunnel with an internal diameter of 2.85m on Saturday. The TBM named “Vighnaharta” has successfully covered the length of 1.7-km for the pipeline.

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner, SVR Srinivas, who inspected and reviewed the breakthrough and said, “We are looking forward to completing this project at the earliest, which will provide a permanent solution for clean and proper water supply to the western sub-region of the MMR.”

The project aimed at bringing a permanent end to the water woes of Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar was started in 2017 and was estimated to be complete by March 2020.

However, it got delayed and now the project is expected to be completed in phases till 2023.

Now, for the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, it will be completed towards the end of 2022, the remaining phase for the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation will be completed by the first quarter of 2023.

The project is expected to benefit the VVCMC with a water supply of 185 MLD, including 27 villages within the Vasai-Virar sub-region and rental housing projects of MMRDA and MBMC with a water supply of 218 MLD.

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The project, which will supply 403 million litres of water every day, is equipped with two pumping stations located at Kawadas and Surya Nagar, respectively along with a water treatment plant (WTP) also in Surya Nagar. The project got administrative approval in the MMRDA’s meeting on October 19, 2016.

Under the scheme, the raw water will be lifted from the Kawdas pickup located downstream of Surya dam and will be treated/purified in the water treatment plant at Suryanagar.

The purified water will then be supplied through 80.71-km of the underground pipeline by gravity to the master balancing reservoir located at KashidKopar Hill for Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation and to the master balancing reservoir on the hill of Chene Village at Ghodbunder road for Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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