AI-powered inspection technology deployed to address KWA pipeline blockages

French firm SUEZ, which has taken over the operation and management of Kochi’s water supply, recently deployed AI-powered inspection technology to address blockages in the Kerala Water Authority’s (KWA) pipeline network. The inspection on Friday (19/06/2026) included a detailed examination of the underground pipes without a trench and helped to resolve the blockage with a wooden log.

A blockage was found in the pipe network supplying water to the area of ​​the town of Vennala. “After a year of maintenance at the Aluva water treatment plant, we noticed that the water supply to the end areas of Vennala was not fully restored. We initially replaced a part of the old pipe, but that did not solve the problem. That’s when we realized that there could be a blockage in the pipe,” said a senior KWA official.

Subsequently, a robot with artificial intelligence was deployed. “This was the first such procedure in the state. The robotic camera allowed us to view the inside of the pipeline without cutting it open,” the official said.

A source from the French company said that the advanced robotic system enables detailed inspection of underground pipelines without excavation. The system features a high-resolution Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera and AI analytics. According to the source, the technology can inspect pipes from 90 mm to 900 mm in diameter, helping to identify hidden leaks, blockages, illegal joints and structural defects with greater accuracy.

Last year, the French company signed an agreement with KWA to optimize water distribution in the city. The ₹ 1,141.28 crore project is being financed by the Asian Development Bank.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 20:48 IST