Residents of Gurgaon can expect a significant improvement in their water supply soon. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is set to execute a crucial infrastructure upgrade this week that will more than double the carrying capacity of a key water boosting station.
Major Pipeline Connection to Address Water Shortage
The agency will connect a 1,600mm diameter pipeline at Basai to the Sector 51 boosting station. This strategic link is designed to provide an alternative, high-volume feeding line to the station, which currently struggles to meet the area's demand. To carry out this essential work, the GMDA has announced a 48-hour shutdown, which will temporarily disrupt water supply across a large part of the city.
Officials explained the pressing need for this project. At present, the Sector 51 boosting station receives only 100–120 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water. However, the actual demand from the sectors it serves is estimated to be between 150–170 MLD, creating a persistent shortfall.
Why the Existing System Falls Short
The current supply to Sector 51 originates from the Chandu Budhera water treatment plant via a 1,000mm pipeline. While this pipeline has a theoretical capacity of 200 MLD, the volume of water drastically diminishes by the time it reaches the boosting station. This is because water is distributed to several industrial belts and residential sectors along the route, leaving insufficient pressure and volume for the final destination.
"The existing pipeline could not carry an additional volume of water to the Sector 51 boosting station. Despite repeated demands from residents, we were unable to release additional pressure towards Sector 51 due to this distribution pattern," a senior GMDA official stated.
A Solution for Present and Future Needs
The new 1,600mm pipeline, which the GMDA had previously laid along an 800-metre stretch, will now be fully integrated into the network. Once connected at Basai, it will function as a dedicated feeder, drastically reducing dependence on the older 1,000mm line.
This upgrade promises a transformative impact. Officials project that the carrying capacity of the Sector 51 boosting station will jump to approximately 300 MLD—more than double its current intake. This enhanced capacity will allow for better management of water flow across the network and significantly reduce the risk of shortages during peak summer months.
"The 1,600mm pipeline connection will allow us to route a higher volume directly towards the boosting station, benefiting residents," the GMDA official added, highlighting the direct positive outcome for Gurgaon's citizens.
