Officials from the World Bank (WB) recently conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing work for the canal-based water supply project in Ludhiana, directing the Municipal Corporation (MC) and contractors to significantly expedite the pace to meet the stipulated deadlines.

The World Bank delegation, led by consultant BKD Raja, inspected the Bilga site where the civic body is establishing a world-class Water Treatment Plant (WTP) under the multi-crore initiative. The officials also checked the progress at various locations across the city where the construction of new Overhead Water Reservoirs (OHSR) is underway.

The review team appreciated the progress achieved but issued specific directions to the contractor and concerned municipal officials on accelerating key components. This project marks a major shift for the city from its current reliance on rapidly depleting groundwater to a sustainable surface water source.

The first phase of the ambitious project, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), involves civil works costing around ₹1,300 crore. Key infrastructure includes the new WTP at Bilga village, which will treat surface water before supplying it to the city, and a network of new and rehabilitated OHSRs and associated pipelines.

Deputy Project Manager Kalyan Singhal, Superintending Engineer Parul Goyal, Manager (Environment and Social), PMIDC, Badal Soni, and Social Development Specialist Sumit Arora were among the officials present during the site inspections.

MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal acknowledged the delegation's visit, stating he maintains regular monitoring of the works. He confirmed that he has issued strict instructions to all stakeholders to ensure the project meets all necessary quality benchmarks and is completed within the stipulated timeline.