BMC To Start TBM Work On Kasheli Mulund Water Tunnel By September, Completion Expected In 2030

Major Water Tunnel Project Will Strengthen Mumbai's Water Supply Network

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to begin Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) work by September for the ambitious Kasheli to Mulund water tunnel project. This important infrastructure project aims to reduce water transmission losses and improve the efficiency of Mumbai's water supply system.

The 7.13 kilometer long underground tunnel is expected to be completed by October 2030. Once operational, it will create an additional underground route to transport water from the Bhatsa water supply system, helping the city deliver water more efficiently to millions of residents.

TBM Ready As Construction Enters Key Phase

The Kasheli Mulund water tunnel project has now entered one of its most significant stages. According to BMC officials, all major parts of the 5.3 meter diameter Tunnel Boring Machine have arrived at the construction site. A 14 kilometer long conveyor system required for removing excavated material has also been installed.

The project has been under construction since September 2024. The upcoming TBM launch marks an important milestone as underground excavation work is set to begin in the coming weeks.

Senior BMC Officials Review Progress

Additional Municipal Commissioner for Projects, Abhijit Bangar, recently inspected the project site to review the progress of ongoing work. During the visit, he instructed officials to maintain construction quality, follow strict safety standards and complete the project within the planned timeline.

He also highlighted that the new underground corridor will improve water transportation from the Bhatsa system while reducing transmission losses. This will strengthen the reliability of Mumbai's water distribution network in the coming years.

Construction Progress At Both Ends Of The Tunnel

Work has progressed steadily at both ends of the tunnel.

At the Kasheli site, excavation of the 128 meter deep recovery shaft has reached a depth of about 27 meters. This shaft will be used to retrieve the Tunnel Boring Machine after the excavation work is completed.

At the Mulund end, the 134 meter deep launching shaft has already been completed. Construction teams have also finished excavation of the 95 meter assembly tunnel, the 40 meter tail tunnel and the 25 meter tube tunnel. Reinforced Cement Concrete lining work has also started inside the launching shaft to strengthen the underground structure.

These developments indicate that the project is moving according to schedule and is ready for the next construction phase.

Project To Reduce Water Losses Across Mumbai

Water transmission losses remain a major challenge for large cities with ageing supply infrastructure. The new Kasheli Mulund water tunnel is designed to address this issue by providing a modern underground conveyance system.

Once operational, the tunnel will transport water more efficiently from the Bhatsa system while reducing leakages and improving the overall performance of Mumbai's water distribution network. The project is also expected to improve supply reliability for several parts of the city as demand for water continues to grow.

Infrastructure experts believe underground water tunnels offer better protection from external damage and require lower maintenance compared to traditional surface pipelines.

BMC Also Moves Ahead With Treated Wastewater Tunnel

Alongside the drinking water project, BMC is also making steady progress on another major underground infrastructure initiative focused on wastewater reuse.

The civic body is constructing dedicated tunnels to transport tertiary treated wastewater for industrial and other non drinking purposes. This initiative will help reduce the use of potable water in industries and support sustainable water management across Mumbai.

For the 11.61 kilometer Ghatkopar to Bhandup treated wastewater tunnel, excavation work is progressing well. The 175 meter deep Bhandup shaft has already reached a depth of 136 meters. Excavation has also started at two additional shafts within the Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant.

Tunnel boring for this wastewater project is expected to begin in January 2027.

Mumbai Expands Long Term Water Infrastructure

The Kasheli Mulund water tunnel and the treated wastewater tunnel are part of BMC's long term strategy to modernize Mumbai's water infrastructure. By expanding underground water corridors and promoting treated wastewater reuse, the civic body aims to improve water security while reducing dependence on potable water for industrial needs.

As work continues over the coming years, these projects are expected to play a major role in building a stronger, more efficient and sustainable water supply system for Mumbai while supporting the city's future growth.