The Indian water infrastructure sector is on the brink of a significant transformation.

Rohan Mittal
Leadership Team, VA Tech Wabag

How is the company playing a major role in the development of India’s water infrastructure?

WABAG has been at the forefront of India’s water infrastructure development, leveraging its extensive global expertise. As a pure-play water technology multinational with over a century of experience, WABAG offers a comprehensive range of technologies and services that cater to both municipal and industrial sectors. Our footprint in India is significant, and our contributions have been pivotal in addressing the country's water challenges.

One of our core strengths lies in our ability to provide tailored solutions, encompassing the entire lifecycle of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. From design, engineering, and construction to long-term operations, WABAG is deeply involved in every phase, ensuring that projects are not only executed to the highest standards but also operate efficiently over time. This holistic approach has enabled us to build over 6,500 municipal and industrial plants globally, with a substantial number in India.

WABAG’s commitment to research and development is reflected in our dedicated R&D centers in Europe and India, where we continuously work on developing cutting-edge technologies. Our portfolio of over 125 intellectual property rights is a testament to our innovation-driven approach, which enables us to offer customized, state-of-the-art solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

Could you share some details about your company’s landmark and ongoing projects?

At WABAG, we are dedicated to addressing the critical need for sustainable water solutions through our innovative technologies. We specialize in transforming alternative water sources like seawater and used water into high-quality water that is safe, clean, and affordable for both utilities and industries—a process we proudly refer to as "Manufactured Water." Our mission is to turn what is often considered a liability into an asset by emphasizing the value of alternative water sources and advocating for more reliable, economical, and sustainable methods of water production.

WABAG is a global leader in desalination technologies, holding the title of the 5th largest desalination player worldwide, according to GWI. Since 1995, we have constructed over 50 desalination plants in 17 countries. Today, WABAG-built plants desalinate over 1.3 million cubic meters of seawater every day, helping to bolster water security in coastal regions. Some of our marquee desalination projects include the 110 MLD Nemmeli desalination plant in Chennai, the 191 MLD Al Ghubrah SWRO plant in Muscat, Oman, the 60 MLD SWRO plant in Jazan Electronics City, Saudi Arabia, and the recently executed 50 MLD SWRO plant in Zarat, Tunisia. One of our most significant ongoing projects is the 400 MLD Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Chennai, which will be the largest in the Southeast Asian region. Upon completion, this plant will greatly enhance Chennai's water security, solidifying its position as the desalination capital of India.

In addition to desalination, WABAG is a pioneer in water recycling and reuse, having built numerous advanced water reclamation plants for both potable and non-potable use around the world. Our plants recycle over 2.7 million cubic meters of water daily, supplementing freshwater sources and ensuring a sustainable future. Notable projects include the 45 MLD Koyambedu TTRO Plant in Chennai, which addresses urban water scarcity by recycling wastewater, and the 40 MLD TTRO Plant in Ghaziabad, India, which will safeguard groundwater in the Shahibabad industrial area and support industrial growth.

Our commitment to the circular economy is embodied in our principle of Total Resource Recovery, which redefines the role of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). By leveraging innovative technologies, we elevate STPs from mere wastewater treatment facilities to centers for resource recovery, extracting water, sludge, and energy as valuable resources. This philosophy has been successfully implemented at various sites worldwide, including the 91 MLD Pappankalan WWTP in New Delhi, the 140 MLD Dinapur WWTP in Varanasi, and the 60 and 150 MLD K&C WWTP in Bengaluru.

We are also engaged in significant industrial wastewater treatment projects. For instance, we are constructing a 20 MLD Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP) at the Ras Tanura Refinery Complex in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Aramco, one of the world's largest integrated oil and gas companies. This plant will handle complex effluents from various refinery sources. Additionally, WABAG is executing an Effluent Treatment and Recycling Plant for the Amur Gas Chemical Complex LLC (AGCC) in Russia, designed to recycle and reuse wastewater, substituting approximately 25% of the raw water intake requirement.

What are your thoughts on the emerging opportunities in the Indian water infrastructure sector?

The Indian water infrastructure sector is on the brink of a significant transformation, driven by the government’s ambitious goals and the increasing demand for sustainable water management solutions. This sector offers immense opportunities, especially in areas
like wastewater treatment, desalination, and water reuse.

One of the most promising areas is the treatment and reuse of wastewater. With India’s rapid urbanization and industrialization, the demand for water is escalating, while the availability of clean water is becoming increasingly constrained. To address this, the government has been promoting policies that encourage industries and municipalities to adopt advanced wastewater treatment technologies and reuse treated water. This approach not only conserves valuable freshwater resources but also helps reduce pollution and the strain on natural water bodies.

As I previously mentioned, Manufactured Water will play a critical role in ensuring India's water security, as it is a viable, reliable, sustainable, and affordable solution. Desalination, in particular, holds significant potential, especially in coastal regions where freshwater sources are scarce. With the right investment and technology, desalination can be a key solution to India’s water challenges.

Overall, the future of the Indian water infrastructure sector looks promising. With continued government support, technological advancements, significant multilateral and bilateral funding, and increased private sector participation, the sector is well-positioned to meet the country’s water security goals and contribute to its sustainable development.

India has recently emerged as the third-largest construction market globally. How do you perceive this milestone?

India's emergence as the third-largest construction market globally is a remarkable achievement that underscores the country's rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization. This milestone is a testament to the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and various stakeholders in developing robust infrastructure that supports the needs of a growing population and a dynamic economy.

This position opens up immense opportunities. It not only highlights India's potential to attract global investments but also fosters innovation and job creation across multiple sectors. The construction industry is a key driver of economic development, contributing to GDP growth, enhancing living standards, and improving the quality of life
for millions.

At WABAG, we are committed to making a significant contribution to this sector by providing innovative water management solutions aligned with sustainable development goals. As the construction market continues to expand, the demand for reliable water infrastructure—encompassing supply, treatment, and reuse—will become increasingly critical. Our focus is on delivering projects that not only address the immediate needs of communities and industries but also ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources.