BWSSB to soon launch online Cauvery water tanker booking system in Bengaluru

To streamline water distribution and curb overpricing, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to introduce an online booking system for water tankers. The initiative aims to eliminate middlemen and provide residents without piped water access to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified Cauvery water at fixed rates.

Also read: BWSSB becomes first in India to secure BIS certification for piped drinking water

Expected to be launched by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar by the end of March, the web-based mobile-friendly platform will enable users to book tankers, make payments online, and track deliveries in real time. The service will first be available in eastern Bengaluru, where reliance on private tankers is high.

Each tanker in the fleet will be equipped with GPS tracking, ensuring transparency in delivery. Consumers will receive water only after verifying their order using a one-time password (OTP). Additionally, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system will monitor the quantity of water dispensed.

BWSSB has procured 200 tankers with 6,000- and 12,000-litre capacities, capable of making up to eight trips daily. Operating on a "no profit, no loss" basis, the cost of water and delivery charges will be pre-determined, preventing arbitrary pricing by private operators.

Unlike borewell-fed private tankers, BWSSB’s fleet will supply Cauvery water sourced from 100 designated points. The rollout will begin with 50 points, with bookings required 24 hours in advance. Water deliveries will be available from 6 am to 10 pm daily.