Aluva 190 MLD Water Plant Gets Technical Sanction, Paving Way for Tenders

The proposed 190-million-litre-per-day (MLD) water treatment plant at Aluva has received technical sanction, a key procedural approval that allows the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to proceed with the tendering process. The project is intended to address drinking water shortages in Kochi Corporation and neighbouring municipalities and grama panchayats.

A senior KWA official confirmed on Monday that the technical sanction has been granted, clearing a major administrative hurdle. "We can now move forward with inviting tenders for the execution of the project," the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

In a statement issued on Monday (August 17, 2026), T. J. Vinod, MLA, said the government's permission marked a significant step towards implementing the project. He described it as a crucial development that would substantially improve drinking water supply in Kochi and its surrounding areas.

"This project will provide a permanent solution to the recurring water scarcity faced by residents," the MLA said. He added that the plant, once operational, would augment the existing supply network and benefit households and businesses across the region.

The technical sanction is a formal approval of the project's detailed design, cost estimates, and technical feasibility. It is a standard requirement before any public works department or agency can float tenders. With this clearance, the KWA is expected to initiate the procurement process in the coming weeks.

The proposed plant at Aluva is part of a broader effort by the state government to strengthen water infrastructure in Kerala's urban and peri-urban areas. Kochi, a fast-growing commercial hub, has faced periodic water shortages, especially during summer months, due to rising demand and limitations in the existing distribution network.

The project is designed to supply treated water to the Kochi Corporation as well as several nearby municipalities and grama panchayats, which have historically depended on groundwater and smaller local schemes. The new plant is expected to provide a reliable and consistent source of drinking water, reducing the need for tanker supplies during peak summer.

Officials said that the Aluva site was selected because of its proximity to the Periyar River, which serves as the raw water source. The treatment plant will use conventional processes, including sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to make the water safe for consumption.

While the technical sanction is an important milestone, the KWA still needs to complete the tendering process, award the contract, and oversee construction. The project's timeline will depend on the response from bidders and the speed of execution once the contractor is appointed. Local residents have welcomed the development, hoping for early action on the ground.

The total cost of the project has not been officially disclosed. However, similar-sized plants in the state have typically involved investments of several hundred crore rupees. The funding will be arranged through state and centrally sponsored schemes, according to officials.

With the technical sanction in place, the focus now shifts to the tender rollout. The KWA is expected to publish tender notices shortly, and the project is likely to attract interest from both domestic and international firms specialising in water infrastructure.