Now Reading: KMC races to divert water supply before Tala pipeline repair
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KMC races to divert water supply before Tala pipeline repair
The Story in Brief
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will try to reroute potable water through alternative pipelines by Friday (13 November 2026) so it can shut the damaged water main beneath Tala Bridge for repairs, civic officials said on Tuesday (10 November 2026). More than 150 water tankers have been sent to affected areas including Shyambazar, Paikpara, Bhupen Bose Avenue, parts of Sovabazar, Amherst Street, Keshab Chandra Sen Street, Kumartuli Street, Beltala, Thackeray Road and Garcha Road.
The damaged line, about 20 feet underground and built during British rule, is still supplying water because it cannot be fully shut without an alternative. KMC is trying to divert supply through other pipelines, including a 1,200 mm diameter water main along the Tala Bridge deck. Officials said actual repairs could take at least a week from when they begin, and low water pressure is likely to continue in parts of south Kolkata for the next few days.
Residents near the leakage spot said several households were flooded again on Tuesday morning when water pressure was briefly increased. Many reported no water since Monday (9 November 2026) or very low pressure, forcing them to buy water. Long queues formed at roadside taps. Cossipore-Belgachia MLA Ritesh Tiwari said supply was not completely suspended given the festive period, but pressure was reduced. State minister Agnimitra Paul shared a helpline number (9831127522) for complaints.
Indian Opinion Analysis
KMC's plan to divert supply by Friday is a temporary fix: the actual repair of the damaged British-era line will take at least a week after work begins, meaning normal water supply remains weeks away for many residents. The 44 million gallons supplied each cycle from the Tala campus serve a large area, and the alternative 1,200 mm main has lower capacity, so low pressure and tanker dependence will persist. The absence of a confirmed date for the repair start leaves affected households uncertain about when supply will fully resume.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
