World Bank Eyes Amritsar: Mega Water Scheme On Track

A delegation from the World Bank, based in Washington, DC, recently visited Amritsar to review the progress of the Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Scheme (ABWSS). The project, undertaken by the Punjab Government in collaboration with the Amritsar Municipal Corporation, the World Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), is part of the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project.

The ABWSS aims to provide a continuous supply of clean, treated water from the Upper Bari Doab Canal to households across Amritsar. Key components include the construction of a water treatment plant (WTP) near Vallah, with a capacity of 440 million litres per day, the installation of 45 water storage tanks, and the development of a 112-kilometre pipeline network—85 kilometres of which have already been completed. Ongoing pipeline work is currently focused near the Ramtirath Road highway, while construction of the WTP at Vallah is also underway.

During their visit, the World Bank team inspected several project sites and later participated in a review meeting with Municipal Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh. The Commissioner noted that the pace of work had temporarily slowed due to a shortage of labour, as many migrant workers returned home during Operation Sindoor. In response, the administration introduced a range of worker welfare measures, including scheduled breaks, air-cooled rest areas, and access to hydration. The World Bank delegation commended the safety protocols and environmental safeguards in place at the project sites.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.