Chandigarh, Nov. 26 -- Initially approved in 2022 with a budget of Rs.576 crore, the total cost of the French agency-funded pan city 24x7 water supply project has ballooned by 200% over the years - now standing at a staggering Rs.1,741.28 crore.

Even as the project remains in limbo amid escalating costs, its status is set to come up for discussion in the General House meeting of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on Friday.

As per the meeting agenda, the experience from the Manimajra pilot project, and subsequent technical and financial reviews have highlighted the need for a more realistic and data-driven approach to ensure sustainable implementation.

It states that as per detailed examination of the project, its cost will bump up c...