Water Vending Machines at Railway Stations
Ministry of Railways formulates a
comprehensive policy for installation of Water Vending Machines at Railway
Stations
With
a view to further improve the availability of potable drinking water for
passengers; Ministry of Railways has formulated a comprehensive uniform policy
for installation of Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at railway stations across
the country. The objective of this policy is to lay down guidelines to make
available potable drinking water of prescribed standard to willing customers at
affordable price through Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at stations.
Under the policy, the installation of WVMs will be handled by Railway PSU,
Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). WVMs can be
installed only by reputed manufacturers or their franchisee holders or
authorised agents. The WVMs will have multiple dispensing tapes to facilitate
maximum passengers to avail the facility simultaneously. Priority will be
accorded to provide WVMs at locations where General Coaches can have easy
access. In the initial phase, those platforms of the stations which are
already provided with R.O. drinking water units supplying free water may not be
provided with WVMs
Pure water will be dispensed through these highly mechanized machines for the
passengers at an affordable price. Water dispensed through the vending machine
will conform to BIS specifications IS10500-2012(specification for drinking
water) test requirement within desirable limit. The water supplied
through these machines will be frequently checked (at least once a month)
through suitable device by the Health Inspector/ Medical Personnel. Water
Vending Machine will be with Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology or alternate
superior technology. The cost & quantity of water dispensed will be
displayed in a LED display so that amount is verifiable by the customer. The
selection of the franchisee/agent for installation of machines will be done by
two-packet tender system so as to ensure that branded and reputed companies are
engaged for this job.
WVMs will provide pure drinking water in a much less price as compared to
packaged drinking water. Selling price of dispensed water will be as
follows: -
|
|
Refill
|
With Container
|
|
300 ml. glass
|
Rs.1
|
Rs.2
|
|
Half Litre Bottle
|
Rs.3
|
Rs.5
|
|
1 Litre Bottle
|
Rs.5
|
Rs.8
|
|
2 Litre Bottle
|
Rs.8
|
Rs.12
|
|
5 Litre Bottle
|
Rs.20
|
Rs.25
|
The companies installing Water Vending Machines will provide adequate number of
eco-friendly disposable tumblers of approved quality and design and water
bottles of PET. The companies providing machines will also provide
adequate number of dustbins of standard design with each machine.
IRCTC and/or Railways may inspect the Water Vending Machines from time to time
to maintain the quality of services. In case of deficiencies found
(quality/quantity of water, operator etc.) suitable penal action against the
service provider should be taken by the Railways.
Presently drinking water at stations is generally supplied through water
booths/water coolers after carrying out requisite treatment/disinfection as per
requirement. On select stations, R.O. drinking water units have also been
provided. In addition, packaged drinking water through departmental and
licensee operated units is supplied.
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