CMWSSB Schedule of Rates
About Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board
CMWSSB's distinct SOR reflects the unique scope of Chennai's water and sewerage infrastructure: massive horizontal distribution networks, deep-trench sewer interceptors, three large reservoirs (Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Cholavaram), the Veeranam pipeline, and now the Krishna water project. Items like 1500mm+ DI/MS mains, deep precast manholes, and sewerage trunk projects in congested Chennai urban areas need rate references TN PWD's Buildings SOR doesn't fully cover. CMWSSB's 2023-24 SOR builds on TWAD Board's water-utility rate framework while adding city-specific overheads for traffic-restricted excavation, night-only road closures, and rainwater harvesting installation. Engineers preparing CMWSSB-funded projects (water mains in T.Nagar, sewerage in Velachery, rainwater harvesting compliance) reference this SOR plus CMWSSB technical circulars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is CMWSSB SOR different from TWAD Board SOR?
TWAD Board SOR covers state-wide water-supply schemes outside Chennai. CMWSSB SOR is Chennai-specific with items reflecting the city's congested-site overheads, deep-trench excavation in clay/sandy soils, and large-diameter mains. Cross-references TWAD for items not in CMWSSB.
What is the latest edition?
2023-24 SOR approved March 2024 by the Board. Mid-cycle market-rate adjustments are issued via CMWSSB technical circulars. Earlier editions (2018-19, 2014-15, 2008-09) are referenced in legacy contracts.
Where do I find CMWSSB tender BoQs?
Each project tender publishes its full BoQ on cmwssb.tn.gov.in/tenders. Awarded contract rates are not separately consolidated; engineers reference recent NIT awards for benchmarking.
Does Chennai Smart City use CMWSSB rates?
For water-supply and sewerage components yes. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Smart City civil works for non-water items use the GCC SOR (Tamil Nadu publisher, separate page). Combined infrastructure projects layer both.
What about rainwater harvesting?
CMWSSB enforces RWH compliance for buildings ≥ 200 m² in Chennai; the SOR covers RWH structures (pits, recharge wells, percolation tanks, gully traps). Compliance is audited against this SOR.