BMC Approves ₹2,241 Crore Underwater Tunnel for Manori Desalination Project, Mumbai
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee has approved an estimated ₹2,241 crore proposal to construct an underwater tunnel for the Manori desalination project in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government had approved the broader project on July 3, 2026.
The proposed tunnel will span 7.20 km, connecting the upcoming Manori desalination plant with the city's water distribution network in Kandivali. Construction is scheduled to begin in August and is expected to be completed in 45 months. The project includes design, construction, operation and maintenance of the tunnel linking the proposed pumping station at Manori with Charkop and further to Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali.
The tunnel forms a key component of the 200 MLD Manori desalination plant, which has also been designed to allow future expansion to 400 MLD. Following the bidding process, BMC awarded the construction contract to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, while Tata Consulting Engineers will serve as the project management consultant.
The Manori desalination tunnel is expected to strengthen Mumbai's water supply infrastructure, enabling desalinated water to enter the city's distribution network once the plant becomes operational. The project is intended to improve water availability across the western suburbs, including Borivali, Kandivali and Malad.