Belagavi’s citywide 24×7 water supply project was expected to be completed within five years of the contract award. However, the deadline has now slipped to nearly seven years, with only around 14 of the city’s 58 wards currently receiving a continuous water supply.
At a Glance
- Project conceived: 2003
- Pilot 24×7 supply started: 2008
- World Bank citywide modernization phase approved: 2016
- L&T contract awarded: 15 June 2020
- L&T takeover of operations: 25 June 2021
- Current completion target: March 2027
Original Deadline
- The citywide 24×7 water supply project awarded to L&T was to be completed by June 2025. The project aimed to provide round-the-clock water supply to all 58 wards of Belagavi.
Latest Deadline
- Due to delays in execution, the completion deadline has been extended by 15 months, with the new target fixed at March 2027.
2003
- Karnataka Government launches the Karnataka Urban Water Sector Improvement Project (KUWASIP) with funding support from the World Bank.
- Belagavi selected as one of three pilot cities for continuous (24×7) water supply.
2004–2008
- Pilot project implemented in selected wards of Belagavi.
- Water distribution network upgraded.
- Private operator Veolia engaged for implementation and operation.
2008
- Pilot becomes operational.
- Around 10 demonstration wards begin receiving continuous water supply.
- Belagavi becomes one of the first Indian cities to successfully demonstrate a 24×7 water supply model.
2016
- World Bank approves a US$100 million loan for the larger Karnataka Urban Water Supply Modernization Project (KUWSMP).
- Decision taken to extend 24×7 supply to the entire city.
2018–2019
- Detailed project reports, bidding and procurement processes undertaken.
- Citywide modernization project finalized.
15 June 2020
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T) awarded the DBOT (Design-Build-Operate-Transfer) contract for Belagavi’s citywide 24×7 water supply project.
March 2021
- Transfer of water supply operations from KUWSDB/BCC to L&T begins.
15 March 2021
- Planned handover date for water supply management to L&T.
April 2021
- L&T starts execution of citywide works:
- New pipelines
- Service connections
- Meter installations
- Network rehabilitation
25 June 2021
- L&T officially takes over operation and maintenance of the city’s water supply system.
2021–2023
- Road digging and pipeline laying works continue across Belagavi.
- Project faces delays due to utility shifting, contractor issues, traffic management challenges and execution bottlenecks.
2023
- Belagavi City Corporation imposes penalties on L&T for delays.
- Penalty amount later rises to nearly ₹50 crore.
2024
- Additional wards brought under 24×7 supply.
- Target remains approximately 85,000–87,000 household connections across the city.
June 2025
- Original completion deadline for citywide implementation missed.
2025–2026
- Only a limited number of wards receive full 24×7 supply.
- Several project components remain incomplete.
March 2027 (Current Target)
- Revised deadline for completion of the entire citywide 24×7 water supply project.
Duration from project launch (2003) to current target completion (2027): 24 years.
Duration since L&T was awarded the contract (2020): nearly 7 years by the revised completion date.
