The French group Suez announced on Wednesday that it had won a concession contract to supply drinking water to the Indian city of Salem, in the state of Tamil Nadu. This project, worth 456 million euros, will serve a population of over one million inhabitants.
Awarded by the municipality of Salem, this 25-year contract is presented by Suez as the largest secured by the group in India. It will come into effect in 2027 and will include an initial five-year phase dedicated to studies and works, including the operation and maintenance of existing facilities.
Network modernization and infrastructure expansion
The program includes the rehabilitation of water intakes, treatment plants and pumping stations, as well as the renewal of 1,800 kilometers of distribution network. It also includes the construction of 26 new reservoirs, the modernization of 39 others, and the replacement of meters and their connections.
Following this initial phase, Suez will be responsible for operation and maintenance for 20 years, while the municipality will retain ownership of the infrastructure. The group already provides drinking water to approximately 65 million people in India, representing 13% of the country's population.
