The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, today laid the foundation stone for the Chennai Ring Main System, an approximately 100-kilometre-long interconnected water transmission network being developed under the Chennai Climate Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project (CCRWSSP). The project will be executed by a joint venture led by VA TECH WABAG Limited (WABAG).

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the Government of Tamil Nadu, senior officials of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), and leaders of VA TECH WABAG Limited.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project will establish a city-wide water grid connecting nine major water sources to 84 Water Distribution Stations (WDSs) across Chennai. The integrated network is designed to enable flexible water routing, improve pressure management, and enhance operational reliability under both normal and emergency conditions.

The network will comprise the Ring Main, feeder mains and transmission mains, along with pumping stations and underground tanks. By interconnecting major water sources and distribution stations, the system will facilitate balanced water distribution across different zones, reduce dependence on individual transmission corridors, and help CMWSSB manage supply disruptions more effectively.

The project will also integrate with CMWSSB’s central Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Digital monitoring and automated controls will enable smarter network management, improve operational visibility, and strengthen CMWSSB’s capabilities in managing Chennai’s water supply infrastructure.

Upon successful completion of the project, WABAG will operate and maintain the system for a period of 10 years, supporting its long-term operational performance and reliability.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Shailesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer – India Cluster, VA TECH WABAG Limited, said :

“The Chennai Ring Main System is an important investment in the city’s long-term water security. By connecting nine major water sources with 84 Water Distribution Stations through an approximately 100-kilometre-long network, the project will give CMWSSB greater flexibility to manage and distribute available water across Chennai. We value our partnership with CMWSSB and are committed to delivering an integrated system that supports a more reliable and resilient water supply for the city.”