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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AKS/MKV/MN/DK