Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme Achieves 20% Progress

Rapid progress at Bilga WTP site across key infrastructure components; ACS, Government of Punjab, commends progress and urges timely completion

Ludhiana, November 6, 2025: The canal-based Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme (LSWSS), a flagship initiative of the Government of Punjab, has achieved 20% physical progress within just eight months of commencement marking a major milestone in its implementation. Reviewing the project’s progress, Aditya Kumar Dachalwal, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL), stated that the project is progressing steadily and well within schedule. Officially launched on 25 February 2025, the scheme is targeted for completion by 25 February 2028; achieving 20% progress within only 22% of the total project timeline is a remarkable accomplishment for a project of this scale, he added.

The Commissioner further informed that the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Government of Punjab, Tejveer Singh, recently chaired a review meeting and appreciated the overall pace and quality of work. He encouraged the on-ground teams to sustain the momentum and ensure timely delivery of this crucial urban infrastructure project.

Sharing further details, the Commissioner MCL shared that at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) site in Bilga village, construction is advancing rapidly across key components including the filter house, cascade aerator, and Pre-Settling Tank (PST). Additionally, the stilling chamber, Parshall flume channel, distribution chamber, clean water reservoir, clean water pump house, clariflocculator, and filter house are witnessing significant progress in civil works.

He further said that, the work is also underway at 31 Overhead Service Reservoir (OHSR) sites, out of which raft foundations have been completed at six, while pile foundations are in place at twenty-three. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) has been completed at 47 existing OHSRs, and the remaining structures are expected to be covered by the end of this month. Furthermore, approximately 25 km of pipelines, including Ductile Iron (DI) and Mild Steel (MS), have already been laid, with material arranged for an additional 48 km of pipeline installation.

Beyond physical progress, the project emphasizes community engagement, stakeholder consultations, grievance redressal, and environmental safeguards in full compliance with World Bank and AIIB frameworks. Strict safety protocols are being enforced, no worker is allowed on-site without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The project’s Social and Communication Unit continues to conduct public awareness drives, consultations, and outreach campaigns to engage residents and keep them informed. Over 20 community consultations have already been conducted across Ludhiana, accompanied by regular public announcements before construction activities commence in localities.

Project Overview
The Ludhiana Surface Water Supply Scheme is being implemented by the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL) with technical support from the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC). The project is jointly financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Phase I of the project carries a total budget of ₹1,305 crore, with an additional ₹154 crore earmarked for 10 years of operation and maintenance, and ₹84 crore reserved for quality assurance.

Technical Highlights
The 580 MLD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Bilga will employ advanced processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, dual media filtration, and chlorination integrated with SCADA-based automation and real-time online water quality monitoring systems. These advanced technologies will ensure compliance with national drinking water standards, improve operational efficiency, and guarantee safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water for the residents of Ludhiana.