Hydraulic modeling of water distribution networks has long been associated with traditional approaches to designing water supply networks. However, with digital innovations, the industry has witnessed a significant transformation, making water distribution systems more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Tanay Kulkarni has been at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering digital approaches to hydraulic modeling. His contributions have been internationally recognized, earning him the prestigious Global “Year in Infrastructure Awards” twice, in 2018 and 2020, for his groundbreaking work in water supply engineering. Tanay and his startup have played a pivotal role in designing and master-planning water supply networks to ensure the equitable distribution of clean water, even in the most remote areas. His expertise has gained widespread recognition, leading to prestigious speaking engagements at esteemed organizations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Indian Water Works Association (IWWA), EA Water, the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), and Bentley Systems. Leading media outlets, including Bloomberg and Engineering News-Record (ENR), have also highlighted his notable achievements.
Among his significant contributions, he successfully led the development of a unified hydraulic model for a water network extending 4,000 kilometers. It incorporated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced hydraulic modeling techniques, optimizing operations and significantly enhancing efficiency. By automating the generation of over 400 maps using Python-based scripts within GIS, he reduced a traditionally months-long process to mere hours, achieving remarkable time and resource savings, cutting engineering effort by 40% and manpower costs by 55%. Furthermore, his optimization of pipe diameters through various hydraulic model scenarios ensured capital investments were allocated efficiently, reinforcing the sustainability of large-scale projects.
Another project, the Multi-Village Water Supply Initiative, benefitted over 926,000 villagers across 604 villages. His leadership in modeling and designing an integrated network of over 4,000 kilometers resulted in a four-month reduction in project completion time. His efforts in demarcating 160+ District Metering Areas (DMA) contributed to minimizing water loss and improving efficiency in supply distribution. The project set a new benchmark for water infrastructure development with 78 service reservoirs and over 22 centrifugal pumps optimized for cost-effective operation.
Despite these achievements, challenges were inevitable. One of the most significant hurdles was the outdated pipeline infrastructure in Bankura, where many pipes were composed of aged asbestos cement and could no longer support the growing population. Tanay’s team undertook the massive task of designing an entirely new pipeline system while ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. He and his team successfully developed a single hydraulic model with over 50 unique scenarios within an industry-leading hydraulic modeling software, allowing for real-time adaptability and performance optimization. This model has the potential for SCADA integration, enabling proactive monitoring and control of the water supply network once it is commissioned.
Beyond the immediate benefits of improved water distribution, his work has far-reaching social implications. The project guarantees a reliable supply of clean drinking water and improves the quality of life for thousands of families. Women, who previously had to walk long distances to fetch water, now have direct access to safe drinking water, freeing up time for education and economic activities. Furthermore, digitized network models provide a foundation for future enhancements, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supply systems.
Tanay’s contributions extend beyond engineering projects into academic and professional discourse. His research on water distribution network analysis, master planning, and district metered area advancements has been published in numerous reputed journals and conference proceedings, such as the Indian Society of Hydraulics – HYDRO 2019 Conference. His work continues to shape the future of hydraulic modeling, inspiring innovation in water resource management.
Through his visionary leadership and innovative digital engineering solutions, Tanay Kulkarni has redefined the landscape of hydraulic modeling. His work addresses the technical challenges of water supply networks and delivers benefits to communities, setting a precedent for the future of sustainable water management.
