VA TECH WABAG, a leading Indian multinational specialising in water technology solutions, has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) for the development of a looped transmission network under the Chennai Climate Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project (CCRWSSP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project will establish a city-wide looped water transmission grid for Greater Chennai, designed to strengthen water supply reliability and improve the city’s ability to manage water resources under changing climate conditions.
The project will be executed through a joint venture in which WABAG will serve as the lead partner. Chennai has long faced challenges related to water scarcity, uneven distribution and periodic supply disruptions. These challenges have been intensified by climate variability and the city’s reliance on distant surface water sources. The proposed looped water transmission system aims to address these issues by creating an interconnected network that enables flexible routing and balanced distribution of water across the city.
The ring main system will serve as the backbone of Chennai’s future water grid. By interconnecting existing and new pumping stations, service reservoirs and key distribution nodes, the network will allow dynamic management of water flows across different zones. This approach will reduce dependence on single transmission corridors, enhance system resilience and support more equitable distribution of water to residents.
Beyond physical infrastructure development, the project will also introduce digital monitoring systems, automated controls and performance-based operations and maintenance frameworks. These capabilities will support smarter network management and strengthen the operational capacity of CMWSSB.
The scope of work includes the development of bulk water transmission pipelines, feeder mains, pumping stations and underground storage tanks, along with integration with the central SCADA monitoring system. The project will also cover testing and commissioning of the entire network.
The infrastructure is expected to be completed within 54 months, followed by 10 years of operation and maintenance. Once operational, the system will create a climate-resilient water grid capable of improving Chennai’s capacity to manage water resources efficiently, respond to supply disruptions and deliver reliable water services to its growing population.
Commenting on the project, Shailesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer – India Cluster, VA TECH WABAG, said the initiative represents an important step in strengthening the city’s water infrastructure. “This project marks a significant step towards building resilient and future-ready water infrastructure for Chennai. The development of a city-wide water grid will enhance supply reliability, operational flexibility and climate resilience for the city. We are pleased to partner with CMWSSB in supporting Chennai’s long-term water security through advanced infrastructure, digital monitoring and smart network management.”
With more than a century of experience, WABAG is recognised globally for delivering innovative and sustainable water management solutions for both municipal and industrial clients. As a pure-play water technology multinational headquartered in India, the company provides end-to-end solutions across the water value chain.
WABAG employs over 2,000 water professionals across more than 25 countries, contributing to improved water access and management for millions of people worldwide. Over the past three decades, the company has designed and built more than 1,500 water and wastewater treatment plants globally, reinforcing its position as a trusted lifecycle partner in water infrastructure projects.
The company manages every stage of the water value chain — from design and engineering to construction, installation, commissioning and long-term operations — across multiple project delivery models. Driven by innovation, WABAG operates advanced research and development centres in Europe and India and holds more than 125 intellectual property rights. Its approach aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and emphasises conservation, resource optimisation, recycling and reuse. By combining technology, infrastructure and digital solutions, WABAG continues to address global water challenges while contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable urban water systems.
