Schneider Electric to automate India’s largest water treatment plant in Mumbai

The plant, with a daily processing capacity of 2,000 million litres of water, is a crucial component of the Maharashtra Government’s initiative to provide potable water to 22 million residents.

Currently, only 4% of wastewater in Maharashtra is recycled, primarily due to outdated technologies.

This project aims to address the issue by implementing advanced automation, which will reduce waste, enhance water recyclability, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure solutions will be deployed to modernise the Bhandup plant, ensuring secure and highly efficient operations.

The company’s involvement began during the project inspection phase, where it worked closely with the plant to integrate its digital automation technologies.

The solutions include the EcoStruxure Process Expert M580-EPA automation platform, Altivar Process Drives, PRISMA LV panel boards, power quality systems, Easergy relays, transformers, MV switchboards, and UPS systems.

Together, these innovations are set to deliver a robust and efficient water treatment system that supports Maharashtra’s mission for sustainable water management.

Speaking about this project, Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said “Amidst accelerating water demand in India, the need for sustainable water management has never been more pronounced. Recognizing this urgency, Schneider Electric is committed towards providing advanced digital solutions for the water and wastewater sector.

“This initiative underscores our deep-rooted commitment to contribute to transformative projects that significantly enhance efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability. Automation stands as the linchpin for future-proofing India’s water needs, making such endeavours crucial for addressing the pressing water challenges in the country and ensuring a sustainable future for all.”

Highlighting the pivotal role of automation in safeguarding India’s future water requirements, Arvind Kakru, Vice President – Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric India, stated, “Schneider Electric is steadfast in propelling sustainability in India through the rapid integration of digital technologies and sustainable solutions.

"This groundbreaking project not only establishes a new standard for upcoming water treatment endeavours but also reinforces our footprint in India.

“Through the deployment of our EcoStruxure solutions, we have successfully automated the plant, ensuring operations that prioritize safety, reliability, and high efficiency while effectively meeting the needs of millions of residents. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to playing a crucial role in alleviating India’s water challenges.”

Commenting on the development, Yogen Lal, CEO – Water, Welspun Enterprises, said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of building India’s largest water treatment facility, a critical step towards ensuring potable water for millions of residents in Mumbai.

"Our collaboration with Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, enables us to integrate best-in-class automation solutions that significantly enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

"This landmark project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable infrastructure and innovative solutions, as we work together to set new benchmarks in water management sector and actively support BMC’s mission to revolutionize water accessibility in the region.”

This initiative will position the plant as the largest standalone water treatment facility, with a capacity of approximately 4,500 MLD, while seamlessly integrating with Schneider Electric’s existing Water Command and Control Centre.

It further demonstrates Schneider Electric’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s mission to advance technology adoption for sustainable water management in India.