Chennai Metrowater to launch online booking for larger capacity tankers

The Hindu

5 hours ago

Chennai Metrowater will soon roll out an online booking facility to opt for larger capacity water tankers on a paid basis. This service is being launched for the first time, targeting the water needs of residents in high-rise buildings, especially in the merged areas.
The water agency has hired about 450 vehicles of various capacities to operate between 3,500-3,800 trips daily both for street supply and on payment. Of this, nearly 1,500 accounts for trips booked through 'Dial for water' service.
In a few days, the water agency would add 12 kilo litre and 16 kl capacity vehicles to its fleet to cater to the growing demand for bulk water supply.
Officials of the Metrowater said the decision to hire 80 lorries of larger capacity was taken based on the survey about the water demand in merged areas that are waiting to be covered with piped water supply network.
Some of the areas identified with demand for tanker supply fall under zones 4, 9, 11, 14 and 15.
D.Gentley Rathnaraj, Sholinganallur Phase II TNHB 1,500 MSB Flat Owners Welfare Association, said many large apartment complexes that lack piped water supply relied on either on Metrowater or private tanker supply. 'We often purchase water whenever supply from Nemmeli desalination plant drops. The availability of larger capacity vehicles will ensure better quality water at an affordable cost for apartments,' he said.
The water agency would replace the present fleet of 16 kl capacity lorries with 18 kl tankers to distribute water to hospitals and partly commercial buildings. This would reduce the number of trips and ensure additional volume of water in a single trip for bulk consumers, said officials.
While Rs.697 has been fixed as rate to be paid to contractors per 12 kl lorry trip, Rs.820 would be paid to lorry owners for operating one 18 kl tanker trip. The rate to be offered to consumers is being finalised.
S.Kesavaram, secretary, Chennai Metrowater Tanker Lorry Contractors Association, said the work order has been renewed for three years. The city would have only 2024-model water tankers plying on the roads in a few days.