The Mumbai Water Tanker Association’s (MWTA) strike began on Thursday, and its repercussions have already started to spread throughout the city’s major industries, particularly at the locations of infrastructure and development projects. On Day 1, hospitals and train stations reported no significant problems, but the absence of tanker-supplied water started to put a strain on several current transportation infrastructure projects, such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and Metro construction.
Officials from both Central and Western Railway confirmed that major train operations and station services were unaffected. Although a portion of their water supply comes from tankers, backup resources and alternative arrangements have kept services running smoothly for now. “We’re adequately stocked for the next few days. However, if the strike prolongs, we will have to rely on the BMC’s assistance, with whom we’ve already initiated discussions,” a railway spokesperson said.
At construction sites, particularly those involving ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, the strike is already making a mark. Work has been temporarily suspended at several sites due to unavailability of water critical for processes like concrete curing.
An official from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) noted that while the initial impact on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project is minimal, prolonged disruption could hit major tasks, including the underground station at Bandra Kurla Complex. “Short-term effects are manageable. But a continued strike will certainly impact our timelines,” the official warned.
Ankur Sharma, spokesperson for MWTA, stated that the association has not received any formal outreach from the BMC or other authorities regarding the strike, adding, “Many major transport and construction projects are already feeling the effects.”
Some construction companies have thus far avoided disruption. “Both our sites are in initial phases. For now, we’ve paused water-heavy tasks and can manage for about a week,” said Vinay Chawla, Director of TrueEarth Views.
However, NAREDCO Maharashtra President Hitesh Thakkar highlighted the dependency of post-excavation projects on water. “Nearly 70% of construction activities require tanker-supplied water. The first day saw minor delays, but if this continues for more than 10 days, projects city-wide will face serious setbacks,” he said.
Major private hospitals reported no issues on Day 1, as they rely on BMC-supplied tap water. “We don’t use tanker water, and our municipal supply remains steady. We’ll only be affected if BMC cuts supply,” said Dr S Narayani, Business Head at Fortis Hospitals Mumbai.
Source: Mid-Day
