Pune: Water Tanker Demand Rises in Pune as Summer Sets In; Over 46,000 Trips Recorded in February
Pune, 13th March 2026: Demand for water tankers in Pune has increased sharply with the onset of summer, reflecting early signs of water stress in several parts of the city. Data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) shows that 46,068 tanker trips were recorded in February 2026, significantly higher than the figures reported during the same month in previous years.
The number marks an increase of nearly 6,500 trips compared to February 2025, when 39,488 tanker trips were recorded. In February 2024, the demand was even lower at 33,951 trips, indicating a consistent year-on-year rise in dependence on tanker water supply.
Demand Rising Since Early Winter:
Civic officials said the demand for tanker water typically increases during the summer months, but this year the surge began earlier than usual. The rise in demand started in December and continued through January and February as temperatures gradually increased.
According to officials, areas located on the city’s outskirts and in recently merged villages have shown a greater reliance on tanker water due to limited pipeline infrastructure or low water pressure in municipal supply.
Localities such as Dhankawadi, Katraj, Kondhwa, Yewalewadi, Kirkatwadi, Vadgaon Budruk, Dhayari, Wagholi, Dhanori, Lohegaon, Sus and Pashan have reported a noticeable increase in tanker usage in recent weeks.
Additionally, newly merged areas including Undri, Pisoli, Ambegaon, Manjari and Vadgaon Sheri have seen a growing dependence on tanker supply as the municipal water distribution network is still being expanded in these locations.
The PMC provides free tanker water in areas where municipal supply is unavailable, insufficient, or delivered at low pressure. Tankers are also deployed in locations where the water distribution network has not yet been developed.
Apart from civic tankers, residents can also request tanker supply on payment. Private tanker operators are allowed to draw water from designated municipal filling stations after paying prescribed charges.
To support tanker operations, the PMC has established seven filling stations across the city at Parvati, Vadgaon Sheri, Dhayari, Ramtekdi, Chatushrungi, Padmavati and Patwardhan Baug. Tankers owned by the corporation as well as those operated by contractors collect water from these points before distributing it to residential areas.
Officials said tanker demand is likely to rise further in the coming weeks as summer intensifies. In January 2026, the city recorded 42,542 tanker trips, which increased to 46,068 trips in February.
“Demand for water tankers from these areas has increased by around five per cent in January and February. The number of tankers is being increased as required,” said Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the Water Supply Department at the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Authorities noted that suburban areas and newly merged villages are expected to witness the highest demand for tanker supply until permanent water infrastructure is fully developed.
