Ludhiana's Lifeline: A Water Project on the Fast Track

The Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme (LSWSS), a major canal-based water project, has achieved 14.8% physical progress just six months after its launch in February 2025, according to Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, who has emphasized the need for timely execution.

The project, implemented by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation with support from the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company, is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Phase I carries a total budget of ₹1,305 crore, which includes ₹154 crore allocated for 10 years of operations and ₹84 crore for quality assurance. Completion is targeted for February 2028.

Significant progress is underway:

Construction of a modern water treatment plant at Bilga village is progressing rapidly. Tenders for raw water drawl from the Sidhwan Canal are being prepared. 20 km of a planned 165 km pipeline has been laid; materials for an additional 25 km have been procured. Work has commenced on 28 out of 70 new Overhead Service Reservoirs (OHSRs). 30 of 50 existing OHSRs have undergone structural testing.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the project also emphasizes community engagement, public awareness campaigns, grievance redressal mechanisms, and strict safety protocols, ensuring both technical efficiency and social inclusivity.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.