Chennai is bracing for a significant disruption in its water supply services as Metrowater tanker operators have declared an indefinite strike starting Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The protest arises from prolonged delays in finalising tenders and issuing work orders by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), leaving over 350 newly acquired tankers idle and operators in financial distress. Approximately 450 tankers currently operate under contract with Metrowater, delivering essential water supplies to areas lacking piped connections. Each tanker typically completes up to eight trips daily, ensuring that households without direct water access receive their necessary quota. However, the last tender period concluded in February 2024, and despite assurances of new tenders by August and completion by November, no work orders have been issued to date.
The delay has compelled many tanker owners to purchase new vehicles in anticipation of renewed contracts, only to find them lying unused for months. This inactivity has not only strained their finances but also led to mechanical issues in the idle vehicles, exacerbating the operators’ woes. One contractor reported that a tanker purchased in June last year developed faults despite remaining unused, with even the manufacturer unable to identify the issue. The strike threatens to disrupt the free water supply provided by Metrowater to thousands of households across Chennai. A senior Metrowater official warned that if the strike proceeds, it will directly impact those who depend on the government’s free water supply, particularly in areas without piped water connections.
This situation underscores the critical need for timely administrative actions to ensure the continuity of essential services. The delay in tender finalisation not only affects the livelihoods of tanker operators but also jeopardises the water security of numerous residents. As Chennai continues to grapple with water scarcity issues, efficient management and prompt decision-making are imperative to prevent such crises. The CMWSSB has yet to respond to the operators’ demands, and unless swift action is taken to resolve the tender issues, the city’s water supply will remain at risk. The situation calls for immediate intervention to safeguard the interests of both the service providers and the residents who rely on them.
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