IRCTC to install 1100 water vending machines at 450 stations

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to install around 1100 water vending machines (WVMs) at 450 stations across the country between 2017 and 2018.

The announcement was made by the Rail Ministry in a series of tweets. The initiative is a part of the corporation’s effort to ensure the availability of clean drinking water at low cost within rail premises.

Key highlights

• The project of setting up WVMs was initiated in 2015. It aims to provide potable water at nominal rates.

• At present, there are 1106 water vending machines at 345 stations in the country.

• Water is dispensed through the provision of Reverse Osmosis (RO) in these machines.

• The WVMs can be operated round-the-clock either manually or through the automatic mode.

• The water dispensed through these machines will be much cheaper than bottled mineral water.

• While a glass containing 300 ml water will be dispensed through these machines at a mere cost of Re 1, half a litre water will cost Rs 3, a litre will be available for Rs 5, two litres for Rs 8 and a can for Rs 20.

• The initiative is expected to generate employment for over 2000 people.