Mumbai, June 17, 2026: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed officials to accelerate work on key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening Mumbai’s water security, environmental sustainability, and transportation network. During a series of site visits on Tuesday, she reviewed the progress of the Bhandup Water Treatment Plant (WTP), Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project.
Bhandup Water Treatment Plant to Strengthen Mumbai’s Water Security
The BMC is constructing a state-of-the-art 2,000 Million Litres Per Day (MLD) Water Treatment Plant at the Bhandup Complex, with completion targeted by July 2028. Once operational, the facility will significantly enhance the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of Mumbai’s water supply system while ensuring access to safer and higher-quality drinking water that meets national and international standards.
The project is being developed to address the city’s growing water demand driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and expanding industrial and commercial activities. Commissioner Bhide instructed officials to expedite all civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, and process engineering works and take necessary measures to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Mumbai currently receives water through two major supply systems. Under the Tansa-Vaitarna system, water from Tansa, Modak Sagar, Middle Vaitarna, and Upper Vaitarna dams is conveyed by gravity to the Bhandup Complex, where it undergoes treatment before being supplied across the city. Approximately 2,500 MLD of water is distributed daily to Mumbai residents.
The existing 1,910 MLD treatment plant at Bhandup was built more than 43 years ago and has become structurally weak. The new facility, spread over 7.4 hectares, will replace the aging infrastructure and is expected to become one of Asia’s largest water treatment facilities.
Bhide noted that excavation, soil testing, barricading, relocation of power transmission towers, and plantation activities are progressing well. She directed officials to deploy additional manpower and machinery and ensure proper planning for excavation and debris transportation to maintain project momentum.
Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant to be Operational by October 2026
The Commissioner also reviewed the progress of the 215 MLD Bhandup Sewage Treatment Plant, which is in its final stage of construction. She instructed officials to ensure that the facility becomes fully operational by October 2026.
The project is part of BMC’s initiative to establish seven sewage treatment plants across Mumbai to improve environmental sustainability and wastewater management. Civil works for key components, including the Preliminary Treatment Unit, Primary Clarifiers, Continuous Sequencing Batch Reactor Tank, Air Blower Building, and Digesters, have already been completed.
According to Bhide, the advanced treatment facility will employ primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes, significantly improving the quality of treated wastewater. The recycled water can be used for industrial purposes, landscaping, public sanitation, construction activities, and other non-potable applications, thereby reducing pressure on natural freshwater sources.
The project will also include scientific sludge treatment and safe wastewater management, helping reduce pollution in nearby water bodies. Bhide said the facility will strengthen BMC’s vision of a “Clean and Sustainable Mumbai” while enhancing environmental protection, public health, and long-term water resource management.
GMLR Project to Improve East-West Connectivity
Commissioner Bhide also inspected ongoing work under the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) Project, including the assembly of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components for twin tunnels near Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari and the construction of a flyover between Dindoshi and Goregaon.
She reviewed project progress, construction quality, and safety measures and directed engineers and contractors to ensure timely completion. Bhide stated that the GMLR is a landmark infrastructure project that will significantly improve connectivity between Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion.
The twin tunnels are being constructed using advanced TBM technology, which will enhance safety, accuracy, and efficiency during excavation. The Dindoshi-Goregaon flyover is also progressing as planned and is expected to provide substantial relief from traffic bottlenecks in the area.
The Commissioner emphasized strict adherence to safety standards, quality benchmarks, and efficient deployment of manpower, machinery, and resources to ensure the successful and timely completion of all project components.
