Mumbai is set to face a prolonged water supply disruption later this month, as critical pipeline works linked to the Metro Line 7A project are scheduled across several eastern and central neighbourhoods. Civic authorities have confirmed that parts of three municipal wards will experience low-pressure supply for nearly four days, underlining the complex trade-offs involved in upgrading infrastructure within a dense, ageing metropolis.
The disruption is expected to begin on the morning of December 22 and continue until the afternoon of December 26, affecting residential and commercial pockets within G North, K East and H East wards. Officials said the temporary inconvenience is unavoidable, as the works involve the diversion and reconnection of a major water pipeline supplying large sections of the city. According to civic engineers, the shutdown is required to facilitate the relocation of a 2,400 mm diameter trunk pipeline that intersects with ongoing Metro Line 7A construction. This main carries water from the Upper Vaitarna system, one of Mumbai’s key sources, and any intervention demands precision and extended working hours to ensure long-term safety. “These are high-risk, high-impact works, and they cannot be compressed further without compromising system integrity,” a senior water supply official said.
In G North ward, including parts of Dharavi, both morning and evening water supply zones will see reduced pressure during revised time windows across the affected days. In K East ward, neighbourhoods around the airport and older residential clusters will receive water at normal hours but at lower pressure levels. Meanwhile, parts of H East ward, including the Bandra-Kurla Complex and adjoining residential areas, will also experience weakened supply during late-night and early-morning schedules. Urban infrastructure experts note that such Mumbai water supply disruption episodes are becoming more visible as transport and utility networks intersect in constrained corridors. “Metro expansion is essential for sustainable mobility, but it also exposes the fragility of underground services laid decades ago,” an urban planner said. Better coordination, advance communication and local storage planning can reduce the social impact, particularly on informal settlements and high-density housing.
Civic officials have appealed for cooperation, urging residents to store water judiciously and avoid wastage during the period. They added that tanker arrangements may be prioritised for hospitals and essential services if required. While the short-term impact on households and workplaces is significant, planners argue that integrating metro corridors with upgraded water and drainage systems can deliver long-term resilience. If executed carefully, such projects can support a more climate-ready, equitable Mumbai—where future infrastructure upgrades cause fewer disruptions to daily life.
Mumbai Announces 99 Hour Water Supply Disruption In Multiple Areas On December 22
