OTP-Based Verification for Water Tanker Bookings in Mumbai After Bengaluru; BMC to Introduce Online Services

Mumbai is set to introduce an OTP-based online booking system for drinking water tankers as authorities seek to tackle a worsening water shortage and disruptions caused by an ongoing tanker operators' strike. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aims to use the digital platform to track tanker movements more effectively, curb unauthorised water lifting and ensure fair distribution to housing societies, commercial establishments and other consumers.

OTP-Based Digital Verification for Water Tanker Bookings in Mumbai After Bengaluru

The initiative takes inspiration from Bengaluru's technology-driven water management reforms. There, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has implemented digital solutions for tanker bookings, delivery verification and new water connections. Mumbai officials believe a similar system could improve transparency, streamline water distribution and help prevent illegal extraction during periods of scarcity.

How Proposed OTP-Based Tanker Booking in Mumbai Will Work

Under the proposed framework, residents, housing societies and institutions will be able to book drinking water tankers through an online portal. Once a booking is confirmed, the customer will receive a One-Time Password (OTP), which must be verified at the designated filling station before a tanker is dispatched.

The BMC believes the system will create a transparent digital record for every water tanker trip, helping authorities monitor supplies more effectively and prevent unauthorised water collection. Mumbai currently operates 33 potable water filling stations that cater to both municipal tankers and over 200 licensed private operators. Officials expect the new mechanism to strengthen oversight, particularly during periods of high demand.

Falling Lake Levels Increase Dependence on Tankers

The push for tighter monitoring comes as Mumbai faces mounting pressure on its water resources. Water levels across the seven reservoirs that supply the city have reportedly fallen to around 13% of their total capacity, significantly reducing available reserves ahead of the monsoon.

The situation has been aggravated by the ongoing strike by the Mumbai Water Tanker Association, which has disrupted supplies in several areas and increased reliance on emergency water arrangements. As demand rises, authorities are looking for ways to ensure available resources are distributed efficiently and transparently.

Bangalore Water Supply: Sanchari Cauvery Scheme Uses Online Booking, GPS Tracking and OTP Verification for Water Tankers

Mumbai's proposed reforms closely resemble Bengaluru's "Sanchari Cauvery" initiative, launched by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in May 2025.

The government-operated service allows residents to book water tankers through a website or mobile application, make digital payments, track tanker movement via GPS and verify deliveries using OTP authentication. The verification process ensures every delivery is linked to a registered customer, improving accountability and reducing the scope for misuse.

BWSSB has also stated that water supplied under the scheme meets prescribed quality standards, while a dedicated 24-hour helpline helps residents address complaints and service-related issues.

Sarala Cauvery Scheme: Pay Rs 1,000 Upfront for New Water Connections, Balance in Installments

In addition to tanker reforms, Bengaluru introduced the "Sarala Cauvery" scheme to simplify and reduce the financial burden of obtaining new water connections.

Under the program, households with built-up areas below 600 square feet are required to pay only Rs 1,000 upfront, with the remaining charges spread over 12 monthly installments. For larger homes and apartment units, applicants must pay 20% of the total connection cost initially, while the remaining 80% can be paid in installments.

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