NEW DELHI: Water vending machines have been installed at 250 major stations by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) to provide pure drinking water at nominal rates, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
It is Railways’ endeavour to provide potable drinking water at all stations as per norms, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said in a written answer.
He said provision of Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water units has been taken up at identified major stations on experimental basis, depending upon passenger volume and techno-economic viability.
IRCTC has awarded licenses for installation of 2500 water vending machines (WVM) at major Indian Railways’ stations, out of which 832 have been commissioned (operational).
These WVMs are to be operated round the clock either through operator or in automatic mode.
In order to ensure quick disposal of complaints against the working of installed WVMs, a toll free number– 1800-111-139 has been provided by IRCTC. (AGENCIES)