Why Is Nagpur 24x7 Getting All The Praise?

Posted by Vishvaraj A.
1
Mar 31, 2016
266 Views
Vishvaraj Infrastructure Limited’s Nagpur 24x7 project is looking to provide continuous water in the city. The project has already been recognized by the Prime Minister Shri Narandra Modi awarding the company – “Best Water Practices”, has received global “Water deal of the year” award by GWI, London and also gained notoriety from IFC, Washington DC, as the “Top 10 emerging PPP projects in Asia Pacific” region for Nagpur project.

So what makes Nagpur 24x7 all that special?


In the current scenario, India’s current urbanising population is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2031. This massive transition is creating serious challenges for urban planners. One such challenge is ensuring quality water supply to citizens. Indian cities have for long lived with intermittent water supply systems. They are further riddled with a variety of problems, high levels of NRW, contamination issues, etc.

The government over the years has brought in several reforms to remedy the situation. The government has initiated performance linked PPP contracts, up gradation of existing ageing assets, 100% metering and efficient operation and maintenance of the supply system.

Nagpur, with a population of 2.5 million, is the third largest and most industrialised city after Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra. The city’s population is expected to grow to 5 million in the next 25 years. This certainly causes a dilemma for a city developing and in need for continuous water supply.

In collaboration with Veolia Water of France, VIL has set up a 50:50 joint venture SPV company called 'Orange City Water Ltd' which manages Nagpur 24x7. They were awarded the project back in June 2011 by Nagpur Municipal Corporation, through an international tendering process. Its objective is to provide 24 x 7 water supply to 100% population including hutment-dwellers in five years. The cost for this project is $ 95 million.

Programme
  • Private Investment: 30% of the estimated project cost (70% under JnNURM grant) + 100% of escalation.
  • Concession Period: 25 years of O&M incl. 5 years of capital rehabilitation

Scope
  • Replacement of 300,000 House Service connections, rehabilitations of treatment facilities, service reservoirs and pipeline.
  • Management of the drinking water cycle, from production, treatment, transport, storage to distribution to the customer's taps.
  • Establishing a customer service center to offer round-the-clock assistance.
  • Billing and collection of the water charges on behalf of Nagpur Municipal Corporation Project Cost.

Arun Lakhani and VIL provides global solutions that contribute to sustainable development in the water sector through innovation in the design, construction and operation of drinking water treatment plants, distribution system reforms, etc.
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