CIDCO Plans Long-Term Water Security For Rapidly Expanding Navi Mumbai Region

As Navi Mumbai International Airport nears commissioning and the Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) expands rapidly, authorities have launched a large-scale water augmentation plan across Raigad. With projections showing demand peaking by 2050, infrastructure upgrades are underway to secure long-term supply. The roadmap combines new and existing sources to create a resilient water grid supporting urbanisation and regional growth.

The water augmentation plan includes expanding existing resources like Hetawane Dam while fast-tracking new projects such as Balganga and Kondhane Dams. Experts overseeing the plan say the current aim is to boost water capacity in phases, ensuring both immediate and long-term needs are met. These efforts are essential to sustaining development linked to the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the surrounding airport-linked region of NAINA.

Authorities have projected a demand of 1,275 million litres per day (MLD) by 2050. To meet this, water will be drawn from multiple sources such as Hetawane, MJP, NMMC, and MIDC, supplemented by new supply channels. The Kondhane Dam, located along the Ulhas River, is expected to initially provide 250 MLD, eventually increasing to 350 MLD to stabilise supply across CIDCO-administered regions.

While construction on the Balganga and Kondhane dams is expected to take four to five years, additional water allocations have been sought from Hetawane and Nhava-Sheva schemes to address near-term demand. The Hetawane augmentation project, divided into four phases, is progressing steadily with completion targeted by mid-2029. Components include water tunnels, raw and treated water channels, and a new water treatment plant.

International consultants have been brought in to ensure the project meets global standards, with key benchmarks established to monitor tunnel boring, treatment capacity, and connectivity to urban zones. The Hetawane augmentation and Kondhane supply are seen as cornerstones for creating a sustainable water network serving NMIA, NAINA, Panvel, and future expansions envisioned under the Third Mumbai concept, combining urban resilience with smart infrastructure.

The expansive water augmentation plan for Navi Mumbai’s airport region is more than a utility project—it’s a lifeline for the city’s future. With an integrated supply strategy and long-term vision, the project aims to meet both immediate and 2050 needs. Once complete, it promises to stabilise urban growth, fuel regional development, and strengthen the foundation for Maharashtra’s emerging airport-led economy.

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CIDCO Plans Long-Term Water Security For Rapidly Expanding Navi Mumbai Region