Suburbs to get new water tunnel

To address the ever increasing need of water for the citizens from eastern suburbs, the civic body has started the work of constructing a new underground tunnel between the Powai – Ghatkopar – Veravali water reservoirs. The work is expected to be completed in next five years.

“The work of the tunnel has already started and is expected to be completed in five years. The tunnel will be constructed in two phases at the cost of Rs262 crore. In its first phase, a 2.2km long tunnel will be built between Powai–Veravali while in the second phase, a 4.4km long tunnel will be built between Powai–Ghatkopar”, said a senior engineer from the water department.

The 2,200m in diameter tunnel will run under the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) where the old pipeline is currently located. “The old pipeline will, eventually, be phased out once the tunnels are charged and tested for a flawless water supply”, said the official.

The new tunnel will be a solution to the woes caused by the old pipelines. The old pipelines have several joints which, if broken, lead to cases of water contamination. The new tunnel will not only result in a stronger and uninterrupted flow of water but will also leave no opportunity for tampering and illegal water connections.