ChennaiWater – Metro Water Plans Citywide Robotic Checks for Underground Pipelines

ChennaiWater – The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has announced a major technology-driven step to modernise the inspection of underground water supply and sewer lines, aiming to reduce frequent road digging and minimise inconvenience to the public.

The civic body, commonly known as Metro Water, plans to introduce robotic inspection systems that can examine pipelines from the inside without disturbing the surface. The move is expected to help city authorities detect hidden problems early while keeping traffic disruptions and pedestrian inconvenience to a minimum.

Technology to Replace Traditional Road Excavation

Under the proposed system, specialised robotic crawler cameras will be deployed inside active pipelines to assess their internal condition. Unlike conventional inspection methods that require roads to be cut open, the robots can travel through live water and sewer lines, providing a clear view of internal defects.

These inspections are designed to identify leaks, structural weaknesses, contamination points, blockages and joint failures. Many of these issues often remain undetected until they cause visible surface damage or service interruptions.

Robots Designed for Different Pipeline Sizes

Metro Water’s proposal includes the use of three categories of robotic systems, each suited to a specific pipeline diameter. Smaller robots will inspect narrow pipelines measuring around 50 millimetres, while medium-sized units will be used for pipes of approximately 250 millimetres. Larger robotic systems will handle major water mains and sewer lines that measure 1,000 millimetres or more in diameter.

This range ensures that pipelines of varying sizes across the city can be examined thoroughly using the same non-invasive approach.

Coverage Across All City Zones

The robotic inspections will be carried out in selected stretches across all 15 zones of Chennai. Each robotic unit is equipped with high-resolution cameras and laser-based profiling tools that can capture continuous video footage, take still photographs and map any internal deformities along the pipeline.

The data collected will help engineers understand the exact nature and location of defects, allowing for targeted repairs instead of large-scale excavation.

Detailed Digital Reports for Repairs

Agencies appointed for the task will be required to submit comprehensive digital inspection reports. These reports will include video recordings, images and detailed defect maps, which will serve as the basis for future repair or replacement work.

Metro Water officials believe this documentation will improve planning efficiency and reduce the time needed to address recurring pipeline issues.

Addressing Ageing Infrastructure Concerns

Gaurav Kumar, Executive Director of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, said the initiative was driven by the need to monitor ageing infrastructure without repeatedly digging up roads.

He noted that several sections of the city’s water and sewer network are close to 40 years old and increasingly vulnerable to internal wear and tear. The robotic systems, he said, would help detect problems at an early stage and reduce overall maintenance time.

Lessons From the 2023 Pilot Project

The decision follows a pilot project conducted in 2023, during which robotic inspections were carried out in two phases covering nearly 2.5 kilometres of pipelines. The trial revealed damage in several double-wall corrugated pipes made of high-density polyethene.

Based on the findings, these pipes were replaced with cast iron alternatives at multiple locations to improve durability and long-term performance.

Tender Issued for Long-Term Implementation

Encouraged by the pilot’s outcome, Metro Water has floated a tender to engage specialised agencies for a two-year inspection programme. The selected agency will be required to maintain a backup robotic system to avoid delays and submit regular progress and inspection updates to Metro Water engineers.

Inspection teams are expected to operate for up to 10 hours daily. Payments will be linked to the length of pipeline inspected, with separate charges for daily operation and maintenance.

Officials expect the expanded use of robotic inspection technology to accelerate fault detection, reduce public inconvenience and significantly improve the reliability of Chennai’s underground water and sewer infrastructure.