India’s Water Supply & Distribution Landscape in FY 2023-24: A Zone-wise Analysis – Part 1 of 3

This report provides a regional overview of India’s Water Supply & Distribution sector for FY 2023-24. These analytics, documented by Biltrax Construction Data (hereafter referred to as Biltrax) through the BX-2 platform, explore key trends and major players influencing the region’s construction industry.

Introduction

India’s water supply & distribution sector is crucial for its socio-economic development. The country represents 18% of the world’s population, yet only holds around 4% of global water resources. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have intensified the pressure on water resources, affecting agriculture, industry, and daily life. Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply has become a top priority for both government and private stakeholders.

In response, the construction sector is focusing on enhancing infrastructure to address these growing demands. Key projects include the development of dams, desalination plants, sewage and effluent treatment facilities, and various irrigation schemes. Other critical constructions, such as water and sewerage pipelines, water treatment plants, and water tunnels, are vital to expanding access to clean water across urban and rural areas. These projects not only require highly skilled professionals and advanced technical equipment but also involve significant investments in time and resources.

To support such infrastructure expansion, the Indian government has implemented several pivotal policies. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) are driving efforts to improve water infrastructure and ensure equitable access to clean water. Moreover, industrial water demand has seen substantial growth, driven by the expansion of sectors such as power, iron and steel, oil refining, sugar, textiles, and pulp & paper. According to India Infrastructure Research, 27 municipal and industrial desalination plants with a total capacity of around 1,600 MLD are expected to be developed nationwide, with Tamil Nadu and Gujarat leading the way.

Also Read: India’s Construction Industry in FY 2023-24: A Zone-Wise Analysis

Authorities and Governance

India’s water supply & distribution sector is governed by multiple levels of authority, each playing a distinct role in shaping the sector’s development. 

• Central Level: The Ministry of Urban Development and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) provide policy direction and technical support for urban water projects.
• State Level: State governments and Water & Sanitation Departments are responsible for executing projects and managing local implementations.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): ULBs handle the planning, design, and maintenance of water and sanitation services in urban areas.

Additionally, the private sector is crucial in advancing water infrastructure through increased investments in technologies like smart metering and IoT solutions. Industries are setting up their own wastewater treatment facilities to comply with regulations and enhance water use efficiency.

Also Read: India’s Industrial sector Landscape in FY 2023-24

BX-2

Building on these various initiatives, our zonal analytics series delves deeper into the Water Supply & Distribution sector’s construction landscape, using comprehensive data through Biltrax’s BX-2 platform. By analyzing data across various sub-segments and zones, we provide stakeholders with actionable insights into the sector. The BX-2 platform tracks over 20,000 projects, detailing construction volumes, geographies, roles and specializations, and project timelines, etc.

As we progress, we will explore specific zone-wise analytics, providing a granular breakdown of projects, opportunities, and developments in the water sector.

Zonal Breakdown

North Zone – Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Ladakh

North East Zone – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura

East Zone – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal

West Zone – Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra

South Zone – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana

Central Zone – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

Zonal Summary – Water Supply & Distribution

During FY 2023-24, the BX-2 platform documented 2,049 Water Supply & Distribution projects with an estimated construction cost of INR 1,39,015 Crore. Our zonal analysis for the last financial year highlights diverse construction activities across India’s six zones. The North Zone leads with the highest construction value (50,843 INR-Crore), representing nearly 36.57% of the total. This accounts for over one-third of India’s total construction value. The Central Zone follows closely, with a total construction cost of INR 27707 Crore, implementing 321 projects.

Zone	Project Nos	Construction Value (INR-Cr)	% by Construction Value
North	627	50,843	36.57%
Central	321	27,707	19.93%
West	286	26,279	18.90%
South	522	21,931	15.78%
East	196	9,426	6.78%
North-East	97	2,829	2.04%
TOTAL	2,049	139,015

Also Read: Discover upcoming building construction projects in India in 2023

In summary, zonal analytics are essential for navigating India’s water supply and distribution sector. Biltrax Construction Data offers detailed insights into regional projects, investments, and opportunities. These further help stakeholders make informed decisions and align strategies with local needs. As we progress through this zonal series, we will provide deeper analyses of each region, enhancing your understanding of the sector and supporting strategic planning for sustainable development.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed in the construction industry.

---

To explore our previous analyses, refer to:

Series 1: India’s Building Construction Industry in FY 2023-24: A Zone-wise Analysis

2nd Series: India’s Industrial Landscape in FY 2023-24: A Zone-wise Analysis

Series 3: India’s Roads & Highways Sector in FY 2023-24: A Zone-wise Analysis

---

References: Biltrax Construction Data (BX-2 Platform), National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), Indian Infrastructure Research, KPMG reports, Press Information Bureau, News Articles. 

---