Bengaluru To Launch App-Based Water Tanker Service to Curb Shortages And Control Tanker Mafia

To tackle water shortages in Bengaluru during the summer and curb the tanker mafia, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to roll out a web-based mobile adaptive application for water tanker supply. This first-of-its-kind initiative will allow residents in areas without Cauvery pipeline connections to book water tankers directly through an app, ensuring fair pricing and timely supply. The link to the app will soon be available on the BWSSB website.

Pilot Launch in March

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to launch the pilot project by the end of March. Through the app, residents will be able to book tankers, pay a pre-determined fee, and receive water within a specified timeframe. Unlike private tankers that often supply borewell water, these government-managed tankers will only supply Cauvery water sourced from over 100 designated filling points.

200 Tankers to be Deployed

According to BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasat Manohar, the project has completed the process of hiring 200 tankers with 6,000-litre and 12,000-litre capacities. Each tanker is expected to complete an average of eight trips per day. The system will operate on a no-profit, no-loss model, with fixed charges for water supply.

How Will the App-Based System Work?

• Digital Booking & Payments: Customers can book tankers and make payments through the app, eliminating unregulated cash transactions.
• GPS-Enabled Tracking: Every tanker will be equipped with GPS, allowing customers to track their delivery in real time.
• OTP Verification: Upon booking, customers will receive an OTP, which must be shared with the tanker staff for water delivery.
• RFID System for Water Measurement: The tankers will have an Automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system to measure the exact amount of water filled.

Water Supply & Quality Standards

• Only BIS-Certified Water: The supplied water will meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality norms.
• Advance Booking Required: Customers must book tankers 24 hours in advance.
• Service Hours: Water supply will be available from 6 AM to 10 PM.

With this initiative, Bengaluru aims to provide reliable water access to areas lacking pipeline connections while curbing the influence of the tanker mafia.