Pune: PCMC Laying 13-Km Water Pipeline Along Old Mumbai-Pune Highway

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 19th February 2025: Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a major water infrastructure project to address water supply issues in rapidly developing areas along the old Pune-Mumbai highway. The project involves laying a new 13-kilometre underground water pipeline from Nigdi to Dapodi through the existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

The Rs 52.42 Crore project aims to provide adequate water supply to new housing developments in Dapodi, Phugewadi, and Sangvi areas, which have been facing irregular and insufficient water distribution. The pipeline will run from the water treatment plant in Sector 23, Nigdi to a water tank in Dapodi.

Goodwill Construction has been awarded the contract after submitting the lowest bid at 9.36% below the estimated cost. The project has a two-year completion timeline.

The 1000mm diameter pipeline will be laid primarily through the BRT corridor, with some sections running under footpaths where necessary. Work has already begun from the water treatment plant to the Sant Basaveshwar Maharaj statue.

However, this new project is likely to exacerbate existing traffic congestion issues along the Nigdi-Dapodi route. The area is already experiencing disruptions due to ongoing Metro construction between Nigdi and Morwadi, which has led to the closure of the BRT lane towards Pune. Additionally, PCMC’s Urban Street Design project is reducing road widths to accommodate pedestrian and cycle paths.

Ajay Suryawanshi, Joint City Engineer of PCMC’s Water Supply Department, stated that the work will be carried out in phases to minimize traffic disruptions. He emphasized that the project is crucial for ensuring abundant water supply to residents of new housing projects along both sides of the old Pune-Mumbai highway.

This water pipeline project is part of PCMC’s broader efforts to improve water infrastructure. It follows the ongoing Bhama Askhed water supply project, which aims to provide an additional 167 MLD of water to the city by June 2025. PCMC is also working on the Pavana closed water pipeline project, which recently received approval for a new detailed project report (DPR) and is awaiting Maharashtra State Government funding.